The Winchester Model 1897 was a design improvement of the earlier Browning designed Model 1893, which was made for lower pressure black powder shells. The model 1897 or “97” was one of the most prolific shotguns, with over a million produced by 1957. This example, made in 1906 is was originally a Black Diamond Trap Grade 2 Barrel set, however the barrel with a modified choke has been shortened to 20 ½”. The shortening was likely done to increase the versatility of the firearm or to remove a damaged barrel section. Overall condition is good, with much of the finish missing from the action, and a consistent plumb brown across the barrels, with spotted surface corrosion. The stocks appear to have been refinished at least once, as the metal now shows proud over the wood, and the checkering has been mostly sanded away. Mechanical condition is good, with no serious faults, though the shortened barrel has a dent at the muzzle, making it slightly out of round.
