WWII M1897 Help

[student of history]

Hi Gents,

A friend of mine has turned to me for information on a military shotgun that's been tucked away in his collection for quite a while now. The only issue is that I am not a riot/trench gun collector so I'm hoping that some of you dedicated shotgun collectors could please give me a bit of info on this piece so that I may relay the information to him.

It's my understanding that he'd like to know if it's original or post war refurbished. As a side note, the stock does not appear to be cartouched. I assume it should likely be WB or GHD marked but this is just speculation on my part. Any and all information on this piece would be greatly appreciated!

P.S. I apologize in advance for the poor picture quality.

- Chris

[student of history]

Here are a few more photos. The first image shows a "42" which I assume is the year of manufacture.

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o629/Student-Of-History/Random%20Uploads/IMAG0467_zpslowpoeu4.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/Student-Of-History/media/Random%20Uploads/IMAG0467_zpslowpoeu4.jpg.html)

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o629/Student-Of-History/Random%20Uploads/1_zpsdx55abzx.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/Student-Of-History/media/Random%20Uploads/1_zpsdx55abzx.jpg.html)

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o629/Student-Of-History/Random%20Uploads/2_zpsff9uqskr.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/Student-Of-History/media/Random%20Uploads/2_zpsff9uqskr.jpg.html)

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o629/Student-Of-History/Random%20Uploads/2009-09-30%2001.26.22_zps3hlhfcn5.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/Student-Of-History/media/Random%20Uploads/2009-09-30%2001.26.22_zps3hlhfcn5.jpg.html)

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o629/Student-Of-History/Random%20Uploads/2009-09-30%2001.07.48_zps0k6hjhpa.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/Student-Of-History/media/Random%20Uploads/2009-09-30%2001.07.48_zps0k6hjhpa.jpg.html)

[Tom Doniphon]

It's not original. It looks like it has been refinished. And it has a WW1 bayonet adaptor that has a WW2 heat shield attached to the adaptor. If it was arsenal refinished you would most likely find a rebuild stamp on it.

[scosgt]

It's not original. It looks like it has been refinished. And it has a WW1 bayonet adaptor that has a WW2 heat shield attached to the adaptor. If it was arsenal refinished you would most likely find a rebuild stamp on it.

Beat me to it. The buttplate is also replaced. While the military did replace broken or bent heat shields, they would have been very very very unlikely to have had a WWI lug in inventory in 1943 or 44. So it is refinished and has a funky adapter. That being said, some fool will pay big money for it.

[joem]

He may have paid way more than it's worth. If he got it a real good price and he's happy with it, then good on him.

[student of history]

Thanks gents, I've relayed the information to my friend. I appreciate all of you taking the time to answer my questions!

- Chris