If you give us the serial number we can tell you the year of manufacture. Having that date will indicate whether it has a 2 1/2" or 2 3/4" chamber. What is the bore condition?

 

570954, bore looks really good

 

570954, bore looks really good

 

The early Model 1897 16-gauge guns were chambered for then standard 2 9/16-inch 16-gauge shells through the 1920 Winchester catalog. In the 1922, 23, 24 and 25 Winchester catalogs the Model 97 is only listed in 12-gauge. The 16-gauge Model 97 chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells first appears in the 1931 Winchester catalog.

 

So how do we find out what year this one is by the serial number?

 

Dates -

winchestercollector.org

 

It says it was manufactured in 1912. Any info on it now or price?

 

Looks like the finish is basically all gone, but it is a 16ga which is more rare than a 12 of course. Maybe $500 on a good day.