This is a very fine representative example of a World War II U.S. contract Stevens Model 520-30 trench shotgun with the correct bayonet lug adapter and ventilated six-hole handguard. A martial variant of a John Browning designed sporting gun, the 520 trench gun was originally developed in response to a World War I request for new fighting shotguns for the American Expeditionary Force. It made a strong impression on the evaluators but did not make it into the field before the armistice was signed. Seeing potential for the gun on the police market, Stevens kept production going until 1932, and at the outbreak of World War II, the U.S. government bought every 520 that was still in the warehouse. Checked back into the arsenals at the end of the war, many were sent back into the field for the Korean War and Vietnam. The right of the barrel has the three-line Stevens company address and the left has the two-line gauge markings. Choke gauges at cylinder. The left of the receiver is stamped "MOD. 520-30" ahead of "U.S.", and the correct "P" proof above an ordnance bomb on the right of the barrel at the breech and left front edge of the receiver. It has an all blue finish with smooth walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a plastic buttplate. The stock and bayonet lug are correctly fitted with sling swivels. Length of pull is 14 inches. Includes an olive drab green canvas web sling. A 9-digit personal identification number is hand carved on the bottom of the takedown area. Provenance: The Ron Bucholtz Collection

Very fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some light cycling wear on the magazine tube, and carved numbers as mentioned above. The wood is also very fine with some light scratches and dents, a small crack on the right of the wrist, a few minor chips at the edge of the pistol grip and at the toe, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.