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winchester 1897 12 ga.

NYGUNS
Hi
It has (Pat. appled for) on a moveing part Inside the receiver. The barrel has 12 in front of the receiver and manufactured by winchester repeating arms co. new haven conn. usa Pat nov 25 90 dec 6 92 july 21 96 feb 22 98 and thats it. shouldent there be a maching number on the barrel? The barrel looks to be a shade browner than the receiver. also the forarm has three screws in it.
Thanks
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • NYGUNS
    I have a winchester 1897 12 ga. shotgun in almost mint condition with a 32" barrel and a low #51,1xx number. I there anyone who could give me some info and value on it.
    Thanks
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  • Xracer
    Your Winchester 97, # 51,1xx, was made in 1898.

    Assuming it's a "standard grade" '97, in "almost mint" condition, the Blue Book says:

    98% - $725
    95% - $575
    90% - $500
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  • Bert H.
    Hello NYGUNS...

    If it really is in near mint condition (not refinished), along with the fact that it is a bonafide "Antique" (pre-1899 manufacture), it is worth considerably more than what the Blue Book quotes... more like 2X that amount. However, I am always very suspicious of "near mint" condition Winchesters that are over 100 years old... way too many of them have been "helped" if you catch my drift on this.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

    Forgot to mention... you should consider getting a Factory letter for it - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm
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  • only winchesters
    Welcome to the forum NYGUNS. I have to agree with Bert on this one. One of the ways to check if it's been reblued, is remove the barrel assy. (assuming it's a takedown version, and not a solid frame) and look at the barrel chamber ring that sits in front of the breech bolt. It should be "in the white" meaning not blued. If it's blued then it has been redone at some time in it's life. It should have a round knob style of butt stock, the pistol grip area, unless it's a straight pull. the barrel was originally "rust blued" which should have a soft luster, not shinney like the receiver, When looking at it you should see two different tones of blueing.
    According to Stadt, author of "Winchester Shotguns" it could have a Damascus barrel, which were available until 1914. Early guns also had a steel butt plate.

    Could you give us an update, with additional info. Such as type of stocks, is the barrel chamber ring still in the white? As Bert said you may have a gun wrth close to 2 grand or one worth, $400-$600.
    Regards Dave
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by only winchesters
    I have to agree with Bert on this one. As Bert said you may have a gun worth close to 2 grand or one worth, $400-$600.
    Regards Dave


    Well... I'll bet that had to hurt[B)][:D]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
    *********************************************************************
    No, I am not slipping![:(] Damascus barreled Model 1897s are extremely rare, and one in near mint condition would be worth stratospheric $$$$$ (notice the number of $). Besides, I can't afford to slip... you other guys would not even tap your brakes before running me over[:D]
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  • only winchesters
    Gee Bert you didn't say anything about the damascus barrel, are slipping? LOL regards Dave
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  • NYGUNS
    quote:Originally posted by NYGUNS
    I have a winchester 1897 12 ga. shotgun in almost mint condition with a 32" barrel and a low #51,1xx number. I there anyone who could give me some info and value on it.
    Thanks

    Hi
    Yes it has a round knob stock and a steel butt plate and it has a solid frame. It blue has some light fading on top of the receiver. Is there any other way to tell if its a damascus barrel?
    Thanks[:D][:D]
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  • only winchesters
    NYGUNS: The barrel should be stamped "Nickle Steel" Or something steel on it. Every 97 I've seen has stamping on the barrel, patent dates, usually a "12" just infront of the receiver. If there is absolutely nothing stamped on the barrel, there is a real good chance that it's damascus. Which means it was made for black powder loads only, and not safe for modern ammo. Being a solid frame gun, it just may be one with a damascus barrel. Let us know about the barrel markings. The butt stock sounds correct. Regards Dave
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  • Hangfire
    Dave... I know they made them of course, but I have never seen the Damascus Winchester barrels.Do they show the typical laminated pattern?

    Why don't you add this as an edit, and I'll delete this when it approaches 10 posts.

    Bert...I asked Dave since you probably think Damascus bbls were only made in Syria[8D][8D]

    Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob
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  • only winchesters
    Good evening Hangfire. I just looked at "Stadt"s" book again. He has a picture of one in there but it doesn't have the typicle pattern that I've seen on old SxS. I have never seen one, myself, (Md 97 Damascus). They couldn't stamp/mark the barrel because afterall it's a laminatination process and running a roll die over it would fracture the outer layers. All the old SxS were marked on the solid rib between the barrels. That's why I asked NYGUNS if there was any stampings on the barrel. Regards Dave
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  • manchie390
    Very popular with cowboy shooters - see them from $300 - $600 depending on condition-

    rick
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