It is an interesting Model 1897, but it is not as uncommon as advertised.  Take Downs were introduced in the 48850 serial range, and I currently have (8) earlier production Take Down Brush Guns documented in my survey, with one of them also having a MOD choked barrel.  The really rare Brush Gun is the one gun found with a FULL choke barrel.

I am rather surprised by the $2,550 bid amount.  While it is a nice gun, the cracked slide handle stock and the replacement butt plate would bother me at that price.

Bert

Tim Adair said
I have a takedown brush mfg in 1899. Noticed the external ejector not present on the link in the thread (mines the same as link) why the difference with ejector? Paid 400.00 for mine in a pawn shop.

Tim,

The very early production Model 1897 receiver frames were configured much the same as the predecessor Model 1893.  Shortly after the Model 1897 was introduced (in late May 1897), Winchester’s engineers set out to find ways to improve John M. Brownings original design.  The improvements were often driven by the financial incentive to make the guns easier to manufacture and assemble.  Moving the ejector spring to the outside of the receiver frame made it much easier (and faster) to assemble the receiver group.

The change from the internal ejector spring to the external mounted spring took place in mid September 1899 (in the 83300 – 84000 serial number range.

I have an extensive research survey in progress for the Model 1897 and would like to add your Brush Gun to the survey.  Please provide the serial number on your gun.

Bert – [email protected]