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Hi
First post on here. I’m luck enough to know a collector who is willing to sell me his M97 WW2 trench gun. These are a rare in NZ but we had the USMC here during WW2. I’m keen to hear from the experts (Bert and big Larry etc.) re this Trench gun, as I’m really excited and lucky to potentially own this one. This site has been great for information on them.
Serial number E 943039 1942 .The barrel, receiver, and pistol grip stock have all correct U.S. stamping including the ‘WP’ stamp. The receiver displays a crisp ‘U.S.’ stamp and ordnance bomb on the left side. The ventilated hand guard is the early 6-hole heat shield with no patent date. The Stock is clearly box stamped with the renowned ‘G.H.D’ initials over a crossed cannon ordnance proof . The bottom of the barrel has a ‘42’ stamp confirming the 1942 production date. The hard checkered rubber Butt plate has an embossed Winchester ‘Repeating Arms Co’ logo. The Gun is complete with the correct ‘U.S’ & Flaming bomb marked M1917 bayonet and WWII scabbard.
I hope the link below works.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/MbWHBiYF7uqdqEf37
Thanks
Hello Bugs,
It certainly looks correct to my eyes. Per the factory records, it was manufactured in July 1942.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bugs said
Hi BertThanks for reviewing. July 42 – nice
Cheers Bugs
Nice shotgun. You failed to mention what this treasure will cost you. Real nice M97 Trenchguns like this one, don’t come up for sale often. Is the bayonet a Winchester? Can you get original brass 00 buck for it? How about an ammo pouch? I like it. I have a 1943 M97 just like it. Big Larry
Thanks Big Larry. Unfortunately it’s not a rare Winchester bayonet. Still it is a very nice Remington 1917 – I’ve added a few pics to the above link. I’m sure these are also rare down under. I have no idea about the 00 brass buck in NZ. I haven’t seen an ammo pouch before – do you have any pic? I’m hoping to give this gun to my 2 year old boy on his 21st – around 100 years from its making- 2043. It will be an amazing addition to a small WWII rifle collection esp with the Pacific connection between US/NZ
Bugs said
Thanks Big Larry. Unfortunately it’s not a rare Winchester bayonet. Still it is a very nice Remington 1917 – I’ve added a few pics to the above link. I’m sure these are also rare down under. I have no idea about the 00 brass buck in NZ. I haven’t seen an ammo pouch before – do you have any pic? I’m hoping to give this gun to my 2 year old boy on his 21st – around 100 years from its making- 2043. It will be an amazing addition to a small WWII rifle collection esp with the Pacific connection between US/NZ
Very nice Trenchgun compared to the put together junk floating around. No pics on the ammo pouch. I think it holds 10 rds. Hooks on a cartridge belt.
As for USMC provenance, that would be very hard to prove. Yes, they did use these in WW2, but proving it would be another matter.
Beware of fake pouches. They can be found on Ebay. Sometimes, it takes a good eye to spot the real ones, also they are very expensive.
As for a Remington 1917 bayonet, the 1918 dated ones are a bit scarcer than the Winchesters. I have a Winchester bayonet in my collection and it is minty like my shotgun. My M1907 sling is dated 1943 and is mint as well. The pouch is marked JQMD 1943, and has 10 brass 00 buck rounds in it.
Still, you fail to let us know what you paid for yours. I bought mine from a friend a few years ago for a little over $3,000. Big Larry
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