Winchester Model 12 navy, need help with ID, value.

[Viper225]

I was contacted by Texwing after he came across me looking up the same information on a different site. I have pretty close to a twin to his gun from what he tells me after I sent him my pictures for review.

1940 Barrel Date
SER: 92635X (Told on a different site 1941 Mfg Date)
Barrel: 28" FULL Choke 2-3/4" Chamber Marked "Full" Choke.
Left Butt Stock Markings: WB and Cross Cannons Ordinance Wheel
Left Receiver Centered U.S.
Top of barrel RW with "Open Flaming" Bomb over it, not beside it.
Serial Numbers same on both the Barrel and Action
Condition from review of my pictures: 90%
No painted on markings or tags.

The information I have gathered so far from other sites: This would appear to be a very early WWII Military Model 12. Pre WWII Main Weapons Contracts. It is fully marked like a WWII Model 97, and not like other War Time Model 12's.

From the other sites info:

Texwing's and mine are the only 28" Full Choke Military Model 12's anyone seems to have ever seen outside of while in the military service a very long time ago.

No one has came forward with one like these in a collection so far.

These (Corrected 3) appear to be the only known Model 12's with WWII Model 97 Style Military Markings. I would guess that more exist, however so far no one seems to know where they are.

I am no expert, but with only 2 known examples of 28" FULL Choke Model 12"s with WWII Model 97 Military Markings, these are collectable.


I am wondering with WWII Model 97 Military Markings on these 2 Model 12's, if these are not some of the very first Model 12's purchased by the Military after WWI contracts were filled. I am not a collector, and I do not have the books. Someone who collects should know this informatiuon.

NOTE: I just e-mailed Bruce Canfield. Maby he will be able to shed some light on these 2 guns.

Just My 2 Cents