Fit of handguard
Zombie,
I don't recall seeing war 1 guns that were re-works.
To explain, after ww2, some '97s and 12s that were originally riot guns ( and a FEW longer barrelled mod. and full choked ) were converted to trench at U.S. arsenals. To do this work a shim had to be added under the forward section of the handguard to compensate for the barrel taper. Most if not of the re-works were then parkerized. I have a Model 12 that was so converted and has the arsenal stamps to go with it. The quality of such work is a good tip as to originality. But I digress - always wanted to say that.
An original built trench barrel has NO taper and is a fit to the handguard with no shims. As you look down the muzzle, there should be no shims between the barrel and handguard. The space on a fake is big enough that you will immediately notice the shimming if you are looking for it.
The 6 rows of holes hand guard will have 'Patent applied for' markings on the left side. It is possible for it to have had a replacement Winchester 'W' marked 6 or 4 rows of holes guard installed prior to war2 re-issue. But at that point, I would really want to make sure it was an original W-W guard in the first place.
Or, for 1250 or less, it sounds like a fun shooter at a not unreasonable price if the 'trench work' looks good. After all, it is a Winchester, not a Norinco.
If you pick it up, you will have to get some all brass hulls - Mag tech - and reload for it. You really have to hear the 'CHING' they make as you eject them. I reload mine with OO and Herco. A real PITA, but the cool factor in watching those shiny brass hulls go flying ( and showing off! ) is worth it.
Good hunting, JT