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I am trying to determine the history of this shotgun and will sincerely appreciate your input. Specifically, is this a WW1 Trench Gun, based on its photos and my description? I have not disassembled this shotgun. So far, from the Internet and Blue Book I have learned:
The serial number from the Winchester website places its manufacture in 1918. Other sources seem to agree. The apparently hand stamped “US” and “Ordnance Bomb” are on the right side, forward of the ejection port and seem proper, compared to photos of other verified examples.
The 20 1/4 inch barrel (measured from the bolt face, action closed) has the six-hole handguard. The barrel is marked as shown in the photos. It has two Winchester proof marks; one each on the receiver and barrel tops. “CYL” is stamped on the left side at the barrel’s rear. The bayonet shroud is marked on its left side with “PAT. Jan. 15 & MAR. 18. 1918.” And is not marked on the right side. The two lines of various Patent dates on the barrel’s left side are more than 50% obscured by the handguard; ending with “12 GA.” There are two index marks where the barrel meets the receiver and on the opposite side, the numeral “8.” The metal finish varies from blued on the forward magazine tube to an almost Parkerized look on the rear of the magazine tube. The barrel interior is shiny and with no pitting or marks. The interior action parts also appear Parkerized and show moderate wear. The receiver finish varies from blued to the almost Parkerized finish mentioned above and often appears more like old handling stains.
The stock has one crack on the top right and another on the left side (photos) where it attaches to the receiver. Close examination reveals no evidence of any cartouches on the wood. The butt plate appears to be the hard rubber, original WW1 vintage as seen on other verified examples.
Please let me know what you think of this shotgun and its authenticity. Thank you for your interest in helping me out.
1 R full.jpg2 R rear b.jpg2 R rear.jpg3 R rec.jpg4 R mid.jpg
The serial number from the Winchester website places its manufacture in 1918. Other sources seem to agree. The apparently hand stamped “US” and “Ordnance Bomb” are on the right side, forward of the ejection port and seem proper, compared to photos of other verified examples.
The 20 1/4 inch barrel (measured from the bolt face, action closed) has the six-hole handguard. The barrel is marked as shown in the photos. It has two Winchester proof marks; one each on the receiver and barrel tops. “CYL” is stamped on the left side at the barrel’s rear. The bayonet shroud is marked on its left side with “PAT. Jan. 15 & MAR. 18. 1918.” And is not marked on the right side. The two lines of various Patent dates on the barrel’s left side are more than 50% obscured by the handguard; ending with “12 GA.” There are two index marks where the barrel meets the receiver and on the opposite side, the numeral “8.” The metal finish varies from blued on the forward magazine tube to an almost Parkerized look on the rear of the magazine tube. The barrel interior is shiny and with no pitting or marks. The interior action parts also appear Parkerized and show moderate wear. The receiver finish varies from blued to the almost Parkerized finish mentioned above and often appears more like old handling stains.
The stock has one crack on the top right and another on the left side (photos) where it attaches to the receiver. Close examination reveals no evidence of any cartouches on the wood. The butt plate appears to be the hard rubber, original WW1 vintage as seen on other verified examples.
Please let me know what you think of this shotgun and its authenticity. Thank you for your interest in helping me out.
1 R full.jpg2 R rear b.jpg2 R rear.jpg3 R rec.jpg4 R mid.jpg
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