Winchester Model 1897 Takedown Shotgun 12 Gauge – Manufactured in 1911

Winchester Repeating Arms – Model 1897 Takedown

Manufactured: 1911 – Gauge: 12 (2½") – Takedown configuration, 26-inch Cylinder barrel

This Winchester Model 1897 Takedown, manufactured in 1911, retains its original metal finish with an attractive tobacco-colored patina. Equipped with a desirable 26-inch Cylinder bore barrel featuring an outstanding mirror-bright bore, it represents one of the most sought-after configurations of the famous Winchester pump shotgun.

History

Designed by John Moses Browning for the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the Model 1897 was introduced as the successor to the earlier Model 1893, incorporating a stronger action capable of handling the new smokeless powder shotshells. Introduced in 1897, it quickly gained an outstanding reputation among hunters, game wardens, law enforcement agencies and the U.S. military thanks to its rugged construction, five-shot capacity and rapid operation. The Model 1897 achieved legendary status during the First World War, when the famous Trench Gun variants were issued to American troops. Other configurations, including the Riot Gun, served extensively with police departments throughout the twentieth century. One of the Model 1897's most distinctive features is its slam-fire capability, allowing the shotgun to fire each time the action is closed while the trigger is held back. This unique characteristic remains one of the defining features appreciated by collectors today.

Our Shotgun

This Winchester Model 1897 Takedown bears serial number 510XXX, confirming manufacture in 1911. Factory Winchester markings remain sharp and fully legible, as do the 12 gauge and CYL (Cylinder) markings on the barrel. The metal surfaces display an attractive, even tobacco-colored patina, reflecting the natural aging of the original finish. The varnished walnut buttstock retains an attractive appearance, while the fore-end has acquired a slightly more subdued tone consistent with age. A very small crack is present on the left side of the buttstock and could easily be stabilized if desired. This desirable Takedown configuration allows the shotgun to be quickly separated into two sections for convenient transport and maintenance. It retains its original hard-rubber Winchester buttplate.

Mechanically, the shotgun functions properly. The action cycles smoothly, feeding and ejection are reliable, and the original slam-fire mechanism remains fully operational. The 26-inch barrel, chambered for 12 gauge (2½"), retains an exceptional mirror-bright bore free from visible defects.

This Winchester Model 1897 Takedown is an attractive example of one of America's most iconic pump-action shotguns, combining a desirable configuration with excellent bore condition and outstanding originality.

The shotgun is accompanied by its official French National Proof House (Saint-Étienne) Category D(e) classification certificate.