I recently got a 12 gauge shotgun from my father who passed ...

I recently got a 12 gauge shotgun from my father who passed away. Model 1897 winchester serial # e522118 if you could help me out to find the value of the gun.One small chip on the stock next to the trigger Will it be more valuable the way that it is or do I need to send it to be refinished.I don't want to sell I just some info.

Guest,
The shotgun's greatest value is the fact that it belonged to your father. No amount of money can replace that very simple fact. But since you asked. The worst thing you could do is to refinish it. That totally ruins it in the eyes of serious collectors. BUT, the guy down the street might pay you more for a pretty gun than an original condition one. The catch here is that a good refinish job is probably more than he would pay for the gun. Therefore leave it alone and think of how much your dad enjoyed the time he had with it.

Model 1897 shotguns from 1914 like yours in used condition with a few nicks and blemishes are found for around $400 to maybe $500.

Good luck
2bit