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Question, what I have seen is the serial # is on the lower and upper part of this shotgun. Mine does not have one on the upper part or barrel. Did they put serial#’s on both parts in the beginning or not. My 1897 shows to be made in 1899 per the # but some where down the line did this shotgun get a different upper part. Just asking. Thank You.
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Mike,
First question… is your Model 1897 a Take Down, or a Solid Frame? Near the turn of the century approximately 50% of each type were manufactured. If your M-1897 is a Solid frame, it will only have the serial number stamped on the receiver frame. Take Downs (with their removable barrel assembly) were serial numbered on both major pieces.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert, thank you for your response, Mine is a removable barrel but where there is suppose to have a # on the barrel, there is none. It does not seem to have been ground off. Just the receiver frame has one.
I was wanting to turn it into a WW1 trench gun. Cutting the barrel down to 20in. and adding the heat shield and bayonet lug but I don’t know if this will drop the value of the gun.
Mike Rushing said
I was wanting to turn it into a WW1 trench gun. Cutting the barrel down to 20in. and adding the heat shield and bayonet lug but I don’t know if this will drop the value of the gun.
Mike,
All WW I Trench and Riot Guns were Solid frames versus Take Down. In general, altering or modifying any old Winchester will reduce its value. Can you send me a clear picture showing the bottom of the receiver frame and barrel assembly?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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