Winchester Model 1897 pump action 12 gauge shotgun. It has a 30 inch, full choke barrel. According to Winchester records, it was manufactured in 1902. Interesting on its own, this shotgun is unique in that it was owned by G.W. Chapman, the man that in 1950 while working for the U.S. Forest Service fighting a forest fire near Capitan, New Mexico found and rescued a bear cub that became Smokey the Bear. Smokey of course became an icon and the symbol for forest fire prevention for the U.S. Forest Service ever since. Also, it has “Roy R.M.” carved into the right side of the stock in large letters. That is the name and initials of the prior owner, G.W. Chapman’s father-in-law Roy Morgan.
I bought this with a signed and notarized letter of authenticity from David Chapman as proof that it belonged to his father GW. As to the value of this shotgun who knows but it has a great story. Think of all the time in the back of his jeep banging around during his career.
I bought this with a signed and notarized letter of authenticity from David Chapman as proof that it belonged to his father GW. As to the value of this shotgun who knows but it has a great story. Think of all the time in the back of his jeep banging around during his career.
