Viper

Sounds like a good idea to send photos to Mr. Canfield.

I don't know if anyone has access to Springfield Research Service to check and see if any of these serial numbers show up.

As to you comment on World War One Model 12 trenchguns, I'm not sure if any exsist. There is one pictured in "The History of Winchester Firearms 1866-1975" by Watrous. My copy has it on page 74.

WWII Model 12 trenchguns were marked on the right side of the receiver under the ejection port. They had a U.S. and Ord. Bomb. A small Ord Bomb was on top of the barrel above the Winchester Proof mark. Stocks were marked on the left side with a boxed G.H.D. and Ord.Wheel (crossed cannons) Handguards were the 4x19 type.

WWII model 97's were marked on the left side of the receiver. Earlier guns had just U.S. on the lower left rear. later guns had the U.S. and Ord. bomb.

The barrels on the early guns had the "Open Flame" bomb in front of the Winchester Proof. Later guns had the smaller bomb as on the Model 12's.

I'm sure someone can chime in on the approx S/N ranges

If you don't have Mr. Canfields book on Combat Shotguns you should invest in one. It has good pics and info up to our current Military usage.

Sorry about being long winded

John Ed