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LOT 340
Vietnam Era U.S. Marked Winchester Model 12 Trench
Shotgun - Serial no. 985121, 12 gauge, 20 7/8 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, walnut stock.
The Winchester Model 12 and Model 97 trench shotguns were the primary U.S. combat shotguns used
in World War II and Korea and even into
Vietnam by both the U.S. Marine Corps and
Army. The top breech end of the barrel has
a small flaming bomb insignia and the bottom is “42” dated. The right of the receiver is also roll stamped
with “U.S.” and the flaming bomb insignia. Fitted with a Vietnam era arsenal replacement six-hole heat
shield with raised letters “11686389” and “11” on the left of the bayonet adapter and “OG” (Ogden Arsenal)
rebuild stamp on the left of the stock. The left of the barrel is roll stamped with the two line Winchester address/patent dates
followed by “-WINCHESTER-/-TRADE MARK-” and “MODEL 12-12 GA.-2 3/4 CHAM./CYL.” Both the barrel and front edge of the receiver
are stamped with the circled Winchester “WP” factory proof mark. Serrated walnut pump handle and smooth pistol grip stock with a
checkered black plastic buttplate with raised letters “WINCHESTER”. The stock has a sling swivel, and a larger bail wire sling swivel is located on the bayonet lug. The matching serial number is roll
stamped on the underside of the barrel extension and receiver. Includes an olive drab green canvas web sling.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 98% arsenal refurbished parkerized finish with cycling wear visible on the magazine tube, scattered minor pitting visible underneath the finish indicative of previous jungle
use. Wood is very fine as arsenal refurbished, with some light handling marks and a crisp rebuild stamp. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 339
Rare Documented “XB” Prefix U.S. Inland
Mfg. Div. Presentation Grade M1 Semi-Automatic
Carbine, Serial Number “XB77”, with Larry L. Ruth
Certificate of Authenticity - Serial no. XB77, 30 Carbine cal., 18
inch round bbl., parkerized/blue finish, walnut stock. This is an excellent example of the seldom
encountered “X” prefix serialized M1 semi-automatic carbines manufactured by the Inland Manufacturing
Division of General Motors Corporation. During Inland’s World War II production an estimated 100 receivers
were set aside and given a specific “X” prefix serial block, likely for experimental carbine developments,
with this example bearing a “XB” prefix as seen on other examples. Towards the end of
Inland’s wartime production these receivers were built up into complete carbines, utilizing
hand selected components and attractive grained wood, as presentation gifts for senior
members of the military and executives within the General Motors Corp. Features a “N”
marked winged blade front sight and “PI” marked type II adjustable peep rear sight, “5-44”
dated Inland barrel, unmarked type II barrel band, underlined “PI” type IV operating rod,
“O.I.” blued round-top bolt, and an Inland milled trigger housing with unmarked push
button safety, “E.I.” type IV magazine catch, and “I-I” type III hammer. The receiver heel
bears the “INLAND DIV.” manufacturer roll-mark above the “XB77” serial number. Fitted with an “IO” marked four-rivet walnut handguard, an attractively grained low-wood pattern walnut
stock without visible markings and a “DI” marked recoil plate, and an “AI” marked blued magazine. Includes a metal oiler and OD green web sling. Also includes a certificate of authenticity,
dated November 11, 2022, certifying the carbine by serial number as being from the personal collection and reference library of renowned M1 Carbine researcher Larry L. Ruth (1940-
2022), the author of several publications including the three volume “War Baby!” series. Only a small handful of other “X” prefix M1 Carbines have come through Rock Island Auction Co. in
the past, making any example highly sought after by even the most advanced U.S. military collectors.
CONDITION: Excellent as specially manufactured by the Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors as a “presentation grade” M1 Carbine, retaining 97% plus original parkerized and
85% original blue finishes with some light cycling wear, minor edge wear, some limited visible brown patina, and a few minor handling marks. The stock is also excellent with a few small
handling marks and minor chips around the recoil plate, attractive oil finish, and eye-catching fiddle back grain. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Larry L. Ruth Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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