Looking at several trench shotguns need help

[donb]

I will be looking at a collection of trench shotguns on Wed. evening. I got to have a quick look at three this afternoon, 1 Stevens and 2 Winchester 1897's. One of the Winchesters was in 80 -90 % condition, the other 70 - 80%. $4000 for the former and $2500 for the later. Not knowing anything about these, please help me out! Oh, There are several more that I haven"t seen yet. What should I look for? How much should I pay?

I did buy a Reising 60 with sling and two mags.
I'm told they have a 9mm experimental Reising as well.

Thanks

Don

[1563621]

Don, How much cash do you have? Buy all!!! 4K seems a little high, But they are not made anymore! offer 5K cash for both 1897s.

[SPEEDGUNNER]

You found a stash of trench shotguns that can be bought for under $4000 each? Why haven't you paid the man, and posted pictures here?? As long as they are real, and not put together they are a great buy.

Nice find, now get some pictures.

[donb]

Schedule change to Thursday. I'll get pics - maybe a shotgun as well. Is there anything special to look for?
These are clearly the real deal. This estate has over 900 guns. I saw a few dozen. Garands, carbines, trapdoors. I'm told a couple of Spensers, over a dozen 1911's. Much more.
The are still sorting them out.

[scosgt]

No one can help you without pictures. Trench guns are among the most faked of all guns, and the fact that something is in a collection does NOT make it correct or even real.
Pat Redmond, one of the greatest trench collectors, had several guns that I saw personally that were not correct - bought them before he had all the info.
So take some pictures if you need and want help.

[donb]

Will do - thanks!

[donb]

BTW, the nicest one had WB cartouche on the stock. flaming bomb and a large US on the receiver if I recall correctly. It was impressive. I was a bit overwhelmed.

[1563621]

Still can be faked!

[scosgt]

BTW, the nicest one had WB cartouche on the stock. flaming bomb and a large US on the receiver if I recall correctly. It was impressive. I was a bit overwhelmed.

They sell the stamps and guys have been marking stocks for years. And you have to be careful, the early guns had WB stamps, but many of the early guns did not have the bomb on the receiver, that is more commonly associated with GHD guns. Various combos CAN be correct, but this is why you have to be so very careful. In my years of collecting I have seen many many more fakes than correct guns.

[ww2imposter]

Where in Ma. is this collection located? With over 900 guns in the collection I don't think you have your eyes on everything do you?

[donb]

Woburn MA. The Armory Inc.

[donb]

Comments please.

A few more pics to follow. Let me know if there is something you would like to see.

[donb]

Thanks

[M1Riflenut]

Nice! I don't know much about these yet but that one sure does look good to me.

[Tom Doniphon]

It looks like a very nice WW2 trench gun. The 97s with WB marked stocks usually have the earlier style heat shield that has 6 rows of holes. But you may have a transition gun. If you can tell us the serial number, we may be able to tell you if it is in the transition serial number range.

[donb]

Hi Tom,
Thanks for your input. I appreciate it!
Ser. is E 94618x

[scosgt]

Hi Tom,
Thanks for your input. I appreciate it!
Ser. is E 94618x

That would seem to be too late for a WB, but nothing is ever certain as the receivers were assembled into guns out of serial number order.
There is a chance at least the stock was replaced. I would be more inclined to say the adapter is right for the gun based on the serial.

[SPEEDGUNNER]

The Armory does not have these guns listed on their website, they don't really have a website, just teasers on their Facebook page about the "collection" they are going to be selling. Is everyone supposed to drive to Mass with pockets full of cash to get the deals?

How is the pricing on the stuff being offered?

[donb]

The Armory does not have these guns listed on their website, they don't really have a website, just teasers on their Facebook page about the "collection" they are going to be selling. Is everyone supposed to drive to Mass with pockets full of cash to get the deals?

How is the pricing on the stuff being offered?


They do have the guns claimed, I've seen a list and a number of the guns. Regarding pricing, the guns are on consignment from an estate. The shop is doing their fiduciary duty to the owners and trying to get full value for them, however, they have called the owners with reasonable offers during my two visits. I would suggest you make an appointment and get detailed direction if you decide to visit.

[Tom Doniphon]

Your 97 serial number is slightly higher (only by a few thousand) than where we start to see GHD stocks, later style heat shields, and US and Ord bomb marked receivers. But like scosgt said, the guns were not assembled in numerical order. So the WB stock may be original.

[donb]

Thanks for all the good info!

[trenchcrazy]

I have a M97 trench "WB" stock, 4 row heat shield, 946,28X. Funny to have two in the same configuration only 100 serial numbers apart.