Winchester Model 97
 

Here is a nice Damascus Mod 97 , not mine, followed by my Mod 1912, from my grandfather.

Well Sir,

You have done it time and time before and now have done it again, presented the forum with an absolutely beautiful example of American craftsmanship from a bygone era. Personally I would rather use that gun in the field than any other modern pump gun. Even if nothing was running or flying I could sit for hours and admire that gun as I do my Parkers.

Thanks,

Dennis

Bruce, that is a very nice Model 97 or 1897. Has it been lettered at Cody? Many high grade 97s and 1897 letter with no checkering. This gun may be absolutely as manufactured with fancy uncheckered wood and corncob forend.

It is.

As an accumulator of model 12's and 1897's as well as a few Parkers I must say that is a spectacular gun. Thanks for the pictures.

Well, tell us about the letter.

97 ad from 1902
 

With some downtime at a show Saturday I was going through a 1902 wholesale price list of FISHING TACKLE and HUNTING OUTFITS by The H H KIFFE Co. 523 Broadway, NY.

The take down 1897 I have has a base price of $19.25. The extras amounted to another $22.50
Fun read.

I know it's hard to read in Gary's ad.

In the paragraph of the description it say's Winchester proof tested the barrels with 9 1/2 drams of powder & 2 1/2 oz of shot.

Do you think they proofed the Damascus barrels with that load as well ??

I would say they absolutely proofed their Damascus barrels with the same loads. Damascus barrels are shown on the same page (with no exclusionary clause) at a $10 premium. The purchaser, after having paid such an exorbitant premium, would have expected nothing less.

must be a misprint on that loading...have you ever tried to put 9 1/2 drams of powder and 2 1/2 ounces of lead in a2 3/4 inch 12 ga hull...that would be a pretty good load even for a 8 ga hull...charlie