This is an excellent example of a U.S. contract Winchester Model 12 Trench gun. The shotgun has the high polish WRA blue finish on the receiver, barrel and four hole hand guard/bayonet lug. The walnut stock and grooved slide handle are oil finished. The black hard rubber buttplate is checkered and has the Winchester trademark in a circle in the center. The right side of the receiver is roll-stamped with "U.S." followed by the Ordnance "Shell and Flame" insignia below the ejection port. A "Shell and Flame" Ordnance proofmark is stamped on the top of the barrel just in front of the receiver. The left side of the stock is stamped with the ordnance final inspection marks "G.H.D." in a rectangle with a small Ordnance Corps crossed cannons escutcheon immediately below it. The oval WRA proof is stamped on the top of the receiver and on the top of the barrel immediately behind the Ordnance proof. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the standard markings, model designation and bore above "CYL". The factory markings are partially covered by the hand guard. The serial number is located on the underside of the receiver and the magazine tube. Winchester Model 12 Trench Guns were used extensively by the Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The WWII production Model 12 Trench Guns remained in the military inventory until the 1990s, most of the trench guns saw considerable service and many were arsenal overhauled. Original examples of Winchester Model 12 Trench Guns in excellent or better condition are very scarce.

Excellent plus. The shotgun retains 98% plus original finish with some thinning beginning on the left side of the receiver, some high edge wear and a few minor scratches. The magazine tube shows the usual thinning wear from normal cycling of the action. With the exception of 6 minor gouges on the left side of the stock, the wood is excellent retaining 99% original finish, showing a few scattered minor dings with crisp cartouches. The markings are sharp and clear. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the best blued finish Model 12 Trench guns that has been offered by Rock Island Auction and would certainly be difficult to improve upon.