This is a spectacular example of a highly desirable, World War II, all factory parkerized Winchester Model 12 trench gun, as featured on the cover of the book "U.S. Winchester Trench and Riot Guns" by Joe Poyer. 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. Original, unaltered World War II examples are extremely rare today given almost all were rebuilt over time. 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." The top breech end of the barrel has a small Ordnance Dept. "Shell and Flame" insignia and the bottom is "43" dated. Both the barrel and front edge of the receiver are stamped with the circled Winchester "WP" factory proof mark. The right of the receiver is also roll stamped with "U.S." and the Ordnance "Shell and Flame insignia" This shotgun is fitted with a pistol grip walnut stock and pump handle, and the left of the stock is stamped with the boxed Ordnance "G.H.D." inspection mark above a small 1/4 inch U.S. Ordnance crossed cannons escutcheon. The matching serial number is roll stamped on the underside of the barrel extension and receiver. The ribbed forearm and buttstock has a dry oil type finish and a black checkered hard rubber buttplate with the circular Winchester logo. Correctly fitted with the World War II pattern four-hole heat shield with "W" marked bayonet lug. The stock has a sling swivel and the larger bail wire sling swivel located on the bayonet lug. Includes a "43" dated Boyt M1907 brown leather sling, "1944" dated U.S. tan canvas ammunition pouch, six empty 12 gauge shell casings, twelve Rem-UMC 00 buckshot 12 gauge ammunition, a ten-round box of World War II Remington Arms Company 00 buckshot M19 12 gauge ammunition, and a copy of Poyer's book. Provenance: The Woody Travis Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Excellent plus, nearly as issued, retains 98% plus original parkerized finish with a few light handling marks, some minor cycling wear visible on the magazine tube, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is also excellent with distinct edges and rich oil finish, some light pressure dents and handling marks, and exceptionally crisp stamps. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the top few finest examples of a Winchester Model 12 we have ever had the opportunity to offer at Rock Island Auction!