Lot 1265

U.S. Army Documented World War I Winchester 1897 Trench Shotgun

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U.S. Army Documented World War I Winchester 1897 Trench Shotgun

Estimate: $6,500 - $9,500

Starting Bid: $5,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

U.S. Army Documented World War I Winchester Model 1897 Solid Frame Slide Action Trench Shotgun with Richmond Virginia Police Department Marking This exceptional 1918 production Winchester Model 1897 trench shotgun is one of 74 documented examples known to have been in U.S. Army inventory in World War I prior to being subsequently transferred to the Virginia National Guard in 1921, then to the Richmond, Virginia, Police Department in 1924 until they were purchased by Sigarms in 2004 who sold them to Interstate Arms Corp., a Sigarms law enforcement distributor, who advertised them in Shotgun News under the name Ivanhoe's Warehouse Outlet. This example, E689666, is listed by serial number as part of the 74 "Ivanhoe" trench guns on page 286 of the book "Complete Guide to United States Military Combat Shotguns" by Bruce Canfield. It also has Richmond Police Department inventory stamps "1.STA/R.P.D" in two lines on the left of the buttstock. The Winchester Model 1897 was one of John Browning's many contributions to American sporting and combat arms, and in both the trench and riot configurations performed fine service for military and law enforcement users, seeing action as early as 1899 in the Philippines, and earning particular fame in World War I and World War II for it's potent close range firepower. It has a bead sight on top of the bayonet lug assembly, a six-hole heat shield over the barrel, a 2 3/4 inch chamber and cylinder marked choke. Fitted with an 18-groove serrated forearm and a smooth pistol grip stock with a checkered Winchester buttplate. 13 1/2 inch length of pull.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1897

BBL: 20 1/2 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 12

Finish: blue

Serial NumberE689666

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus original blue finish, with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, some scratches, and sharp markings in the metal. The wood is very fine, with well-defined edges, some light handling marks, and crisp police department stamps. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000