HARRY VIEZENS FINE GUNS

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Winchester Model 1897 In First Year Rare Solid Frame Pigeon Grade Shotgun – ITEM 1720

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Item Number 1720 Category

This Winchester was produced in 1897. The 12 gauge Shotgun’s serial number is 34182. This makes this shotgun one of the earliest 1897 shotguns produced let alone a Pigeon Grade! The serial numbers overlap at this time for the 1893 and 1897 shotguns. This very early transitional Pigeon Grade has some 1893 parts. The shell ejector is the 1893 style. There is some 1893 parts in the carrier block. It also has a set screw for the sear which was seen on 1893 shotguns. This gun is fitted with a 28 inch full choke barrel. This barrel has the seldom seen three flat matted barrel. The muzzle and breech surface is engraved. This is a solid frame shotgun. From what I can find out at the museum, there were less than 12 solid frame Pigeon Grade shotguns built. All were built in 1897. This research was done in 1985. This shotgun has the special order Elliot fancy stock and long forend. The buttplate is also a special order hard rubber buttplate. The wood has the special order oil finish. The engraving was done by John Uhlrich. The cost of the engraving at that time was $15.50. The back of the hammer, the carrier block, the receiver, barrel and breech block were engraved. This shotgun retains the original bluing on the plain and engraved surfaces. The barrel blue is turning a pleasing plum tone in areas. This gun shows engraving on surfaces that on latter guns the engraving is omitted. The original bluing would rate a 97% overall condition. The stock and forend have all the original finish. There is no cracks or damage to the wood. The action works smoothly and locks up tight. This shotgun has seen very little use or wear. This gun is in incredible condition! The Factory Letter States all of the special features and the stock dimensions. This is a very rare transitional period 1897 shotgun in the highly collectable Pigeon Grade. It is also most likely the finest early solid frame Pigeon Grade shotgun known! This is a Museum Quality shotgun for the serious collector!

 

Antique H.L.V. Private (8) F. No. 512 -20