May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
Manufactured circa 1946. The Model 12 and Model 1897 Trench guns are some of the most iconic weapons of World War I and World War II, and saw service as late as Viet Nam. Classic 20" cylinder choke barrel with 4-row-19-hole heat shield and bayonet lug assembly for the Model 12, corrugated walnut slide action,. Winchester address and patent dates on barrel are partially obscured by heat shield, with "WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK // MODEL 12 - 12 GA. - 2 3/4 CHAM. / CYL" clearly visible. Top of barrel has Winchester proof and flaming bomb with excellent distension from application. Matching serial numbers on receiver and extension. Right side of receiver marked "U.S. (Flaming Bomb)" under ejection port. Small "M" proof behind trigger guard. Buttstock with a crisp "G.H.D." proof in lozenge with crossed cannon cartouche. Black hard rubber buttplate with central Winchester Repeating Arms logo. Sling swivels are on toe line and just above bayonet lug. CONDITION: Overall excellent, retaining virtually all of the factory finishes, with some minor marks from handling and storage. Some silvering to reciprocating areas from use. Minor handling marks from use, primarily visible on heat shield. Distinct areas of additional hardening visible on receiver, factory done for areas that were expected to see additional stress. Furniture is excellent, buttstock has more marks than handle, with a 5/8" strike on left side, just behind receiver. legends are crisp throughout, although Winchester trademark has some areas that are incomplete; based on the distension from application of other proofs and still-visible heat treating of receiver, this cataloguer is of the opinion that this is a factory error, possibly a damaged die. Mechanically fine, bore is excellent, bright, and shiny. A great example of one of the iconic combat shotguns. EMW