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LOT 1106
Historic World War II U.S. Inspected Remington Model 31 Slide Action Riot Shotgun Subsequently Issued to Captains of Company B Texas Rangers - Serial no. 60541, 12 gauge, 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This is an example of a U.S. inspected Remington Model 31 riot shotgun manufactured in July of 1942, one of a reported 8,992 delivered on U.S. government contract between 1940-1944. These shotguns were used mostly for security duties and gunnery training, with some evidence that at least a few Model 31s saw combat use during the war. At the outbreak of World War II, Remington diverted most of its Model 31 shotgun production in order to manufacture M1903 bolt action rifles, while also concentrating its efforts on manufacturing Model 11 auto-loading shotguns for military use, leading to the relative scarcity of U.S. contract Model 31 shotguns. This particular Model 31 includes a document signed by Robert D. Moser (Captain, U.S. Army Retired and weapons historian) stating
that after World War II, this shotgun was sold as surplus to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Following the sale, it was issued to the commander of Company B, Texas Rangers where it was kept in the captain’s office, where it was issued to each following captain of the company into the 1970s. It was issued to famous Company B captains such as Jay Banks, Bob Crowder, and G.W. Burks. After that, Remington 870s became the standard issue shotgun of the Texas Rangers, at which time, this gun was placed in a display case and mounted with the plaque on its where it remained on display in the captain’s office. The final “issue” of the shotgun display was to Major Dewayne Dockery on 1 September 2012, and he purchased the gun when he retired. The top of the shortened barrel is roll stamped with the two-line Remington Arms address and patent dates, with the left marked “12 GA. For 2 3/4 inch or shorter shells” ahead of “CYL” over removed different choke marking. The lower left of the barrel is stamped with the matching serial number “60541” ahead of the date code “OL” (7/42). The left of the receiver is roll stamped with the Remington name, model, and serial number. It has a bead front sight and raised solid matte rib on top of the receiver (only). Fitted with a thirty groove pump handle, pistol grip walnut stock and Bakelite Remington serrated buttplate. The left side of the stock is fitted with a “Captain’s Gun” informational plaque. Includes a hardwood display case with an additional information plaque and a display type Texas Rangers badge. CONDITION: Very fine overall, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with some scattered light handling wear
and scattered light spotting. The wood is fine with some scattered dings, scratches, and other minor handling marks. All of which are typical signs of a military issued and Texas Rangers carried firearm. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with
some light handling/storage wear.
Provenance: Captains of Company B, Texas Rangers; Major Dewayne Dockery, Texas Rangers; Property of a Gentleman.
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Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500