April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
According to the Canfield book on combat shotguns, where all this information is obtained, indicates that serial number 930571 is in the most commonly encountered range for trench guns. Serial number 986223 is documented on December 26th, 1943 and serial number 9021385 is confirmed on December 13th, 1942. Serial numbers were applied consecutively but not assembled in order, but this shotgun falls in between both of these documented guns that represent the low and high serial range. We can assume this gun was manufactured in 1942 or 1943. Features the proper takedown frame, proper unmarked four hole blued handguard, proper E prefix, proper flaming bomb on top of barrel. Matching numbers. Left side of frame simply stamped "U.S." without bomb, which, according to Canfield, is correct on early examples. The pistol grip walnut stock has fluted comb and there is no "WB/cannon" stamp, which, according to the book, indicates replacement or refinish. Walnut forend has 18 grooves. Left side of barrel has the Winchester stamps with chamber and cylinder. CONDITION: All legends are sharp. Frame retains approximately 90% original commercial Winchester blue. Barrel blue is virtually intact but thinning. Back half of magazine is grey-brown metal while the forward half is virtually intact. Wood is excellent and proud to metal. Comes with a 1914 dated NoBuckl sling. Nice, shiny bore and fine action. Everything is correct on this fine World War II trench gun with the exception of the buttstock which is open to subjectivity.