Hello Mark,
Winchester used a number of different slide bar markings through out the production run. I will provide you with the serial number ranges for each type with the pictures below…
[size=18:09111689a8]For the pre "C" series (antique), and the "C" series solid frame guns[/size:09111689a8]
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WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Tom D said
Bert, I’ve seen a riot gun in the 866xxx serial number range that had the last type slide bar markings. I believe that shotgun would have been made in the 1930s.
Hello Tom,
The slide bar was not factory original to the gun. I have been surveying Model 1897/97s for many years now, and I can positively state that Winchester stopped marking the slide bars just before serial number 800,000 was reached. Serial 866,000 is a an early year 1931 vintage gun (the year 1930 ended with serial number 865,591).
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Bert,
This is the best presentation on slide bar markings that I have seen, and have looked over and referenced this on my collection.
However, I did not see the one with the "16 GA" marking on it- just to the right of the regular markings. It of course, is for 16 gauge models, and don’t know exactly when it "supposed" to have come on guns…but I have a friend with one I’ve tried to trade him out of, and cannot.
What serial number range should this particular slide marking have been issued? I ask, because I’ve not encountered it again, and have no idea if it is correct to the serial number range on his gun.
Bert,
Can you repost the photos of the 1897 slide bar markings?
As an Model 1897 fan and owner two "C" model 1897s a 1903 and 1904 and a 1916 "E" model.
I noticed the change and have a interest in learning more. Incidentally my
1904 model #234557 came with two different type barrel sets with identical serial numbers. The CFM search was able to shed some light the history of this gun, which was received at the warehouse 2/15/1904 and shipped in 4/15/1904 yet was returned to the factory on 1/14/1910 for repairs. The repairs it seems included both a new barrel set and repair of the original one which has unfortunately been cut down a bit sometime in the last 110 years or so.
My old photo hosting site pulled the plug about 18-months ago, and I lost more than 450 pictures & links. I have the pictures backed up on disk somewhere, but it will take me some time to find them. In the meantime, WACA is working on an upgrade to the website that will allow direct photo upload capability. Once that is complete, I will update the pictures I previously posted.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Bert,
Tagging of this old thread about 1897 slide bar markings. I cannot seem to open the jpg. file above, can you please re-upload.
I have an 1897 E series riot gun manufactured in 1914 and I am trying to determine if it has the correct period specific slide bar and handle, please see attached pictures.
Thanks,
Phil
Thanks Bert.
Does the slide bar jpg. file names correspond to the s/n ranges of the firearms? Also for my 1914 Model 1897 would the slide bar and handle have a screw on each side of the handle? I am not clear if the slide bar/handle screw version was model specific or period specific on the 1897’s.
Thanks,
Phil
Phil said
Thanks Bert.Does the slide bar jpg. file names correspond to the s/n ranges of the firearms? Also for my 1914 Model 1897 would the slide bar and handle have a screw on each side of the handle? I am not clear if the slide bar/handle screw version was model specific or period specific on the 1897’s.
Thanks,
Phil
Phil,
The 3-screw slide handle stock was only used for the pre “C” and the “C” series guns. The deletion of the 3 screws was part of the change that created the “D” series. By the year 1914, all Model 1897 shotguns were “E” series guns, and were using the Type-4 slide bar marking.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Keep in mind that the serial number ranges I have listed below are not exact, and are estimates based on my personal observations while surveying the Model 1897/97.
Slide Bar Markings;
Type-1, used on Pre “C” and the early production “C” series guns, serial range 34151 – 93000.
Type-2, used on “C” series guns only, serial range 93000 – 249000.
Type-3, used on “D” series guns only, serial range 249000 – 424550.
Type-4, used on the early production “E” series guns, serial range 418900 – 705000.
Type-5, used on the mid production “E” series guns, serial range 705000 – 725300.
Type-6, used on the “E” series guns, serial range 725300 – 774000.
Type-7, used on the “E” series guns, serial range 774000 – 800000. Guns in this range are also frequently found with the Model designation on the barrel.
“E” series guns manufactured after serial 800000 will have a blank (unmarked) slide bar, as the Model designation was moved to the left side of the barrel.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Bert H. said
Keep in mind that the serial number ranges I have listed below are not exact, and are estimates based on my personal observations while surveying the Model 1897/97.Slide Bar Markings;
Type-1, used on Pre “C” and the early production “C” series guns, serial range 34151 – 93000.
Type-2, used on “C” series guns only, serial range 93000 – 249000.
Type-3, used on “D” series guns only, serial range 249000 – 424550.
Type-4, used on the early production “E” series guns, serial range 418900 – 705000.
Type-5, used on the mid production “E” series guns, serial range 705000 – 725300.
Type-6, used on the “E” series guns, serial range 725300 – 774000.
Type-7, used on the “E” series guns, serial range 774000 – 800000. Guns in this range are also frequently found with the Model designation on the barrel.
“E” series guns manufactured after serial 800000 will have a blank (unmarked) slide bar, as the Model designation was moved to the left side of the barrel.
Bert
Excellent synopsis – Thanks!
It is especially useful to me since I will be shopping for a decent 1897 at Cody. I don’t have a representative example of one in my small collection of centerfire Winchesters.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
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