Winchester Model 1897 shotgun

Gift of W. J. Vaughan / Catalog# 2009.034.005

The Winchester Model 1897 is a pump-action shotgun, produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1897 - 1957.  Designed by John Moses Browning, the Model 1897 improved on problems with the Model 1893, including a slide lock that made the firearm safer. The basic Model 1897 sold for $25 when it was first introduced. It was adopted by law enforcement and remained popular with American troops during WWI.

This 12 gauge Model 1897 shotgun was donated to the museum by W.J. Vaughan, the nephew of Texas Ranger Jeff Eagle Vaughn. According to W.J. Vaughan the shotgun, which dates to the WWI era, was issued to Jeff. Enlisted at Marfa, Ranger Vaughan served along the Texas-Mexico border during the tumultuous years of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), resigning in 1920 to run for sheriff of Presidio County. He later was commissioned as Captain of Company A in 1933 and retired from the Rangers in 1935.

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Model 1897 Winchester