Winchester Model 1897 12 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun, 26 in Barrel, 1898 Antique with Personalized Receiver Inscription
This early-production Winchester Model 1897 is an 1898 antique sporting configuration with a 26 in barrel, exposed hammer, and the classic slide-bar model marking. The receiver is engraved on the left side with the personalized inscription 'R. T. Holloway.' It features right-side ejection, bottom loading, and a tubular magazine with a single front magazine hanger/band near the muzzle. The forend is a replacement and not original to the gun.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: The firearm is currently inoperable; the trigger is not functioning properly. Sold as a gunsmith special as is.
What's Included
- Winchester Model 1897 12 Gauge pump-action shotgun
Manufactured in 1898 in the United States, this Model 1897 qualifies as an antique and represents an early sporting configuration. It uses Winchester's exposed-hammer pump design with no disconnector, a system known for slam-fire capability. The slide-bar model marking is present, and the gun employs right-side ejection with bottom loading into a tubular magazine.
The barrel measures 26 in and is paired with a tubular magazine secured by a single front magazine hanger/band. An additional visible ring on the forend is a clamp/cuff around the replacement forend wood and does not secure the barrel to the magazine. Capacity is 5+1. The length of pull measures 13.5 in, offering a traditional sporting fit.
Wood furniture includes a walnut buttstock with a checkered steel W.R.A. Co. buttplate and a pistol-grip profile. The forend is a plain, smooth wood replacement and is not original to the gun.
A notable personalized touch is the inscription engraved on the receiver's left side: 'R. T. Holloway.' This marking adds identifiable character to the piece and aligns with the accompanying provenance details.