Winchester Model 12 Trench Gun

[majormarine]

what is the fair market value for one of this?
h ttp://www.marstar.ca/gf-usedguns/images/firearms/NS010-WIN-769-L.jpg

the post states, "Flaming bomb marked authentic trench gun made in 1943". i suppose this makes it rare?

what about a more common one? what will be the fair market value?

 

[straightshooter]

The flaming bomb means it was manufactured for and shipped to the US military. Without the flaming bomb, it would either be an extremely rare trench model that was never sold, or a fake made from a non-trench model 12.

These trench models of Winchester's venerable model 1897 and model 12 are gradually becoming more sought after and harder to find, so the value is drifting higher. Still, I'd expect to get a mint m1897 for $2000. The m12 trench is worth slightly less and any refinishing or modifications detract from its collector value rather than enhancing it. The one at Marstar's site is overpriced, in my opinion, because it has been reparkerized - and the trench guns weren't parkerized to begin with. Owners of these guns have to learn not to modify them from original configuration, if they want to retain maximun collector value.

SS

 

[madtrapper143]

Beware of trench/combat shotguns that have been re-patriated from south east Asia. (Viet Nam) They were usually poorly stored and vitrually rotten with hidden rust and jungle wood rot. Not all trench/combat guns saw action in the 10,000 day war but always watch out for them.

cheers Darryl

 

[cantom]

Beware of trench/combat shotguns that have been re-patriated from south east Asia. (Viet Nam) They were usually poorly stored and vitrually rotten with hidden rust and jungle wood rot. Not all trench/combat guns saw action in the 10,000 day war but always watch out for them.

cheers Darryl

Interesting you mentioned that, I remember Ontario Sporting Supplies in Concord having a bunch of Model 12 and Model 97 trench guns from Vietnam...so they tend to be rotten from the humidity?