Manufactured in 1933, per the Winchester Arms Collectors Association, with standard first variation barrel markings and Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The extremely desirable serial number "1" is marked on just the bottom of the receiver, and the bottom of the barrel is marked with a triangle, "VP" within an oval and "33". Fitted with a single German silver bead sight, 3 inch chamber, and choke marked "FULL". It is mounted with a eighteen groove slide handle and pistol grip stock with a checkered buttplate and 13 7/8 inch length of pull. This shotgun is pictured and identified in Ned Schwing's "The Winchester Model 42" on page 129. According to Schwing, "Serial number 1, the first Model 42 produced, was made on January 23, 1933…This Model 42 was never placed in inventory, but was used by Winchester in its test lab for function and pattern testing. The gun was eventually sold to a former employee through the Winchester Club House, a factory store that sold Winchester guns that were no longer needed, at a greatly reduced price." This example followed serial number "0", which was presented to William C. Roemer, the chief designer of the Model 42, and recently sold in our September 2019 sale. Roemer held many patents pertaining to the Model 42 design. He designed the Model 42 intending it to be a downsized companion to the very popular Model 12, which is clear in its appearance.

Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus blue finish with some scattered light patches of pitting concentrated around the right front side of the receiver and receiver collar that appear to have been touched up and some light cycling/edge wear. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches mainly on the bottom of the buttstock. Mechanically excellent. This is quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own serial number 1 Winchester Model 42!