1917 bayonet for the trench gun.

[andy52]

I just had to have a correct bayonet for the model 12 trench gun I got a few weeks ago. I was at a gun show Sunday and came across this one. It's not in pristine condition but it is original and didn't cost me a arm and leg.
I'm here to tell you this is one intimidating looking weapon with the 17 inches of steel on the end of it.
Next hunt will be for a sling, I'm just not sure if I want a leather or web type.

As always please ignore the messy shop...

 

[Housepuss]

Wow...…….that is quite a pig sticker. Hate to be on the receiving end of that one. Nice pick up.

 

[LostintheOzone]

Holy carp!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

The Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun featured a bayonet lug integral with the ventilated steel barrel shroud. The bayonet used was the same as for the US Model 1917 Enfield rifle. Those were issued during WW1 and widely used in trench warfare. By some accounts, German soldiers hated the shotguns so much that any allied soldier captured carrying a shotgun was summarily executed.

The Model 12 Trench Gun came along about WW2, also set up for the same bayonet.

We still had both of those shotguns in general use during my time in Vietnam (1969-71).

If I am not mistaken the bayonets were copied from the British SMLE bayonets, as the Model 1917 rifle was originally manufactured for delivery to British forces and chambered in .303 caliber. As the US prepared to enter WW1 the US Model 1917 rifles were manufactured in .30-06 to supplement US supplies of the M1903 Springfield rifle.

The Model 1917 rifle was manufactured by Remington, Winchester, and Eddystone. After WW2 the basic action design was used in making the Remington Model 721 (long action) and Model 722 (short action) sporting rifles, then morphed into the new Model 700 which is still produced today.

 

[SRG]

Accessorizing is important!!

 

[andy52]

The Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun featured a bayonet lug integral with the ventilated steel barrel shroud. The bayonet used was the same as for the US Model 1917 Enfield rifle. Those were issued during WW1 and widely used in trench warfare. By some accounts, German soldiers hated the shotguns so much that any allied soldier captured carrying a shotgun was summarily executed.

The Model 12 Trench Gun came along about WW2, also set up for the same bayonet.

We still had both of those shotguns in general use during my time in Vietnam (1969-71).

If I am not mistaken the bayonets were copied from the British SMLE bayonets, as the Model 1917 rifle was originally manufactured for delivery to British forces and chambered in .303 caliber. As the US prepared to enter WW1 the US Model 1917 rifles were manufactured in .30-06 to supplement US supplies of the M1903 Springfield rifle.

The Model 1917 rifle was manufactured by Remington, Winchester, and Eddystone. After WW2 the basic action design was used in making the Remington Model 721 (long action) and Model 722 (short action) sporting rifles, then morphed into the new Model 700 which is still produced today.

Correct on all parts.

The model 12 shown was original purchased buy the US in 1918 as a riot gun and retrofitted at the Tooele UT. army depot to the trench gun configuration for WWII. It still has the six hole heat shield which changed to four hole by mid 1942 so this one was retrofitted probably in early 1942.

Some of the early bayonets were British over stamped until Remington and Winchester got enough made.

 

[Rayfan87]

Didn't the Germans try to get shotguns banned under weapons use treaties?

 

[andy52]

Yes they did make some threats about executing any US service personnel caught using a trench gun or even caught with ammo for it.
Didn't go over well with the US government and they told the Germans it would be a very bad idea to follow up on that threat because the Germans caught by the US might be treated similarly.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

That scabbard looks to be a real "Jewell"...