Manufactured in June of 1942. Most of the early U.S. government acquired Model 31 shotguns were of the commercial type and used for security duties and gunnery training. This shotgun has a 2 3/4 inch chamber and cylinder choke. Nickel bead front sight with rib groove rear sight on top of the frame. Standard commercial markings on the barrel and frame, and a crossed cannons Ordnance inspection cartouche marked on the left of the buttstock. Neither the barrel nor the frame features any other U.S. property markings. The pistol grip buttstock and forearm are oil finished walnut. Plastic Remington buttplate. Length of pull is 14 inches. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Excellent, retains 95% plus original bright blue finish with some slide retraction marks visible on the magazine tube and action bar, and a few spots of very light freckling. Wood is also excellent with defined edges, some light scratches and handling marks, some light vertical crazing at the edges of the buttplate, and a clear cartouche. Mechanically excellent.