This is an excellent example of a U.S. contract Winchester Model 12 Trench gun. This is a later shotgun that is parkerized on the receiver, barrel, and four hole handguard/bayonet lug. Some small parts are correctly blued. 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 top of the receiver and on 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. Original examples of Winchester Model 12 Trench Guns in excellent or better condition are scarce and very collectable.

Excellent plus. The shotgun retains 99% plus original parkerized finish. The wood is also excellent plus with a smooth, factory varnished finish. The markings are sharp and clear. Mechanically excellent. Does not get any better than this extraordinary example!