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LOT 331
Exceptional World
War II U.S. Winchester
Model 12 Slide Action Trench Shotgun with Accessories - Serial
no. 1016706, 12 gauge, 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
stock. This is an outstanding example of a World War II U.S. contract
Winchester Model 12 Trench Gun. The shotgun has the high polish
Winchester blue finish on the receiver, barrel and four hole hand
guard/bayonet lug. The walnut stock and grooved slide handle are
oil finished. The black hard rubber buttplate is checkered and has
the Winchester trademark in a circle in the center. The right side of
the receiver is roll-stamped with “U.S.” followed by the Ordnance
“Shell and Flame” insignia below the ejection port. A “Shell and
Flame” Ordnance proofmark is stamped on the top of the barrel just
in front of the receiver. The left side of the stock is stamped with the
ordnance final inspection marks “G.H.D.” in a rectangle with a small
Ordnance Corps crossed cannons escutcheon immediately below it.
The oval Winchester proof is stamped on the top of the receiver and
on the top of the barrel immediately behind the Ordnance proof.
The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the standard markings,
model designation and bore above “CYL”. The factory markings are
partially covered by the hand guard. The serial number is located
on the underside of the receiver and the magazine tube. Winchester
Model 12 Trench Guns were used extensively by the Marine Corps in
the Pacific Theater during World War II. The World War II production
Model 12 Trench Guns remained in the military inventory until the
1990s, most of the Trench Guns saw considerable service and many
were arsenal overhauled. Original examples of Winchester Model 12
Trench Guns in excellent or better condition are very scarce. Includes
a full 25-count World War II era box of Winchester brass shell 00
buckshot 12 gauge ammunition, a Winchester Model 12 Trench Gun
instruction pamphlet, and a tan canvas Atlas Awning 1943 dated U.S.
shotgun ammunition pouch.
CONDITION: Excellent plus. The shotgun retains 98% plus original
finish with some thinning beginning on the left side of the receiver,
some high edge wear and a few minor scratches. The magazine tube
shows the usual thinning wear from normal cycling of the action.
With the exception of 6 minor gouges on the left side of the stock,
the wood is excellent retaining 99% original finish, showing a few
scattered minor dings with crisp cartouches. The markings are sharp
and clear. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the best blued finish
Winchester Model 12 Trench shotguns that has ever been offered by
Rock Island Auction!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500