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LOT 1483
Exceptional U.S.
Army Contract
Winchester Model
12 Trench Shotgun -
Serial no. 1018810, 12
gauge, 20 inch round
bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This is an exceptional example of a late WWII era, all blued Winchester Model 12 Trench Gun as manufactured for the U.S. Military. The Winchester Model 12 and Model
97 Trench Guns were the primary U.S. combat shotguns in WWII and Korea and even into Vietnam and were used by both the Marine Corps and U.S. Army. Original all blued, unaltered examples are very rare today. The barrel is stamped with the two line Winchester address/patent dates followed by “-WINCHESTER-/-TRADE MARK-” and “MODEL 12-12 GA.-2 3/4 CHAM./CYL.”. The barrel is fitted with the late pattern four hole, blued heat shield/bayonet lug, and the breech end is stamped with the Ordnance Dept. “Shell and Flame” insignia with the circled “WP” Winchester
proof on both the barrel and receiver. The right front end of the receiver is also roll stamped with the Ordnance “Shell and Flame insignia/U.S.” The serial number is roll stamped on the underside of the receiver and barrel extension, and based on that serial number, current production data indicates it was manufactured circa mid 1946. It is fitted with the standard varnished walnut stock and pump handle with the buttstock stamped with a boxed “G.H.D./Cross-Cannon” inspection/acceptance proof. The stock is fitted with a black checkered, hard rubber buttplate with the circular Winchester logo. The stock has a lower sling swivel with the larger wire sling, bail swivel on the bayonet lug.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% of the original factory blue finish overall with slide retraction wear. The handle and buttstock are both very fine with only minor handling marks on the sides of the stock with a large divot visible on the left side directly behind the receiver. The boxed cartouche and acceptance proof are crisp. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000