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April 2, 2014
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A couple of questions;
How rare is Damascus on a M-97?
Does it add value, if so, how much?
Would it hurt the value to refinish?
The gun I have is an all original, 30″ solid frame gun, with virtually no finish left on the metal. No damage, screws not buggered, mechanically sound with a clean bore. I have no immediate plans to sell, love Damascus barrels.
Thanks in advance,
Todd Allen
April 15, 2005
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Todd,
I do not know how many Model 1897 shotguns were equipped with a Damascus barrel. For the Model 1893, just 424 (1.24%) of the 34,179 total production were Damascus. If the Model 1897 production mirrored the Model 1893 (and I suspect that it did), one could extrapolate that approximately 7,000 guns were made from 1897 through 1913 (when Damascus was discontinued). Typically, a Damascus barrel was used on the fancy grade guns only (as listed in the catalogs).
Yes, the Damascus barrel adds value, but there is no “set” number for how much of a premium it adds.
Yes, it will hurt the value to refinish it.
What is the serial number on your gun?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 2, 2014
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Thanks, Bert.
Serial number is; 391087 with a “D” above the number. (lower receiver above loading port)
I have searched the Internet for info, with very little results. The reason I ask about refinish/resale value, is that, being a big fan of Damascus, I would love to bring this one back, just for the uniqueness, I guess. My thinking, if the gun is worth, let’s say $1,000 the way it is, and I cut the value in half by refinishing it, I would say no big deal.
What would stop me from messing with this gun would be if it had some historical value, or drastically higher value as a Damascus gun.
BTW, it appears to be a standard field grade. Remarkably untouched, except for normal wear. It’s almost as though someone removed the finish on purpose.
April 15, 2005
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Todd,
Please send me some clear pictures of it. Does it have the “Good”, or the “Fine” grade Damascus ? The serial number IDs it as a late 1907 production gun.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 2, 2014
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Bert, did you get the pics I sent? Not the best, just some I had on my phone.
I will try to get some better ones tomorrow.
April 2, 2014
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Here are a few pics;
April 15, 2005
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Yes, I did receive them. It does appear that steel surfaces were intentionally scrubbed bare.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 2, 2014
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Would it be a candidate for refinish, or leave it the way it is?
April 15, 2005
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No, in my opinion, it is not a candidate for a “refinish”. It would be a decent candidate for a restoration though.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 2, 2014
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Question is, would a restoration increase, or decrease the value on this gun?
April 15, 2005
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That is a good question, and I believe that it would increase the value of hte gun, but not by enough to offset the cost of having it done.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 2, 2014
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Bert, what would you think the value of the gun is, as is?
April 2, 2014
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BTW, I also own the M-93 Riot gun that I posted here a few years back.
Curious about the value of this one, as well.
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-shotguns/M+-93+Riot+Gun/
April 15, 2005
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luckydog said
Bert, what would you think the value of the gun is, as is?
In its present condition, approximately $800.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
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luckydog said
BTW, I also own the M-93 Riot gun that I posted here a few years back.
Curious about the value of this one, as well.
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-shotguns/M+-93+Riot+Gun/
With the relative rarity of a factory documented Model 1893 Riot Gun, it is my opinion that your gun is worth at least $3K. That stated, it could sell for a fair amount more in well attended auction.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 2, 2014
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Thanks, Bert. You have been very helpful. I will put the 97 on my project list.
Incidentally, I have an early Parker hammer gun that suffered a similar fate. Finish intentionally removed, and everything cold-blued in an attempt to hide the fact that it is Damascus barreled. I dismantled, and washed off the bluing, and ended up with a very, very nice (0 frame) small frame 16 ga, with zero finish on the metal.
November 7, 2015
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As a fan of “shooter” Winchesters I doubt I would refinish or restore the Damascus 1897. Refinishing would IMHO negatively impact the value of the gun and after the expense of a professional restoration most folks would never shoot it again. “As is” it will serve you well in the field and quite possibly on the trap range for as long as you want to shoot it.
I may be wrong but I suspect the Damascus steel presents a challenge whether refinishing or restoring. Make sure your ‘smith is up to it.
Forgot to mention; I LIKE that gun. Thanks for sharing the pics!
April 2, 2014
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Thanks, TX. I have a M-97 “Shooter”, so this one is not going to see much shooting anyway, except maybe some special occasions. I think this gun would be a good prospect for a restoration, but is in line behind two other projects. I will post pics, if I decide to move forward.
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