WWII US Winchester Model 12 20″ Trench 12 GA Pump Action Shotgun, 1946 C&R

SOLD FOR: $5,875.00

LSB#: LSB250613SH013

Make: Winchester

Model: 1912

Serial#: 993353

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1946

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber

Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed

Action Type: Pump-Action Shotgun with a Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 12 – 12 GA. – 2 3/4 CHAM. / CYL”, the top-rear is marked with a flaming bomb Ordnance mark and ovalled “WP” Winchester proof. The top-front of the receiver also has an ovalled “WP”, the right of the receiver is marked “U. S.” with a flaming bomb under the ejection port, the bottom-front is marked with the serial number. The serial number is also marked on the bottom of the barrel extension. The left of the stock is stamped “GHD” and with the US Army Ordnance Corps regimental crest. 

Barrel Length: 20? nominal, 20 3/4? measured.

Sights/ Optics: There is a silver-colored bead mounted to the front of the installed bayonet lug assembly. The barrel is not drilled for a bead. The top of the receiver has a sighting plane serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are two-piece walnut with 18 groove slide handle, smooth semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. There is a sling plate in the belly and another swivel mounted to the rear of the bayonet lug assembly. The stocks have nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear.  Overall, the stocks are in a Very Good condition.  

Type of Finish: Blued.

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, there is no erosion in the bore, but there are faint streaks of stubborn fouling.  In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: The shotgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some light nicks, scratches and scuffing. There are a few tiny rust freckles.  There is infrequent minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear. Some of the screw heads are tool marked but all have usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, the shotgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: Included is a sling.

Our Assessment:  The Winchester Model 12 gauge shotgun is an icon (some might say the icon) in the Winchester line.  You know a gun was designed and built right when over two million copies were produced over a 60-plus year span.  It is a highly regarded pump-action firearm celebrated for its ruggedness, adaptability, and reliability. This writer remembers one afield in the hands of his own grandfather with great nostalgia.

The U.S. Government first took an interest in this innovative firearm during WWI.  In addition to the more common M97 trench gun, orders were also placed for the M12 — or Model 12 trench gun.  It is believed that the Model 1912 trench variant likely only saw limited use, if any, during WWI as Winchester prioritized the proven Model 1897.  Both models came with bayonet lugs and heat shields to protect the hand of the infantryman using a bayonet after rapid firing.

Both Winchester trench guns were again produced for WWII, seeing service mostly with the Marines in the Pacific theatre.  Both went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam.  Both shotguns were expertly made and served the needs of American servicemen for nearly half a century.

This particular specimen is a Model 1912 which has correct features and markings for a Trench Gun. It has the 4-row heat shield adopted in 1942 — consistent with the ca. 1946 production date.  The Model 1912 “Trench” variant is a very desirable collector piece. It will make a great addition and display in any WWII or Winchester collection. Please see our photos of this tangible piece of American history.  – C.B.