"If no Winchester proofmarks show, the gun left the factory as a field grade. If a proofmark shows only on the barrel, the gun left the factory with a solid rib, which Simmons subsequently removed before installing a vented rib. If no Simmons trademark appears on the rib, it either was installed by Simmons and returned to Winchester in the white or, more likely, was installed by Winchester. Winchester was licensed to install Winchester special ventilated ribs and paid royalties to Simmons Gun Specialties for a number of years. (Ernie Simmons ,Sr. served as consultant to Winchester for a number of years.) It has been reported that during 1954-59 Winchester installed Winchester special vented ribs on Model 12s and 42s under a Simmons patent and the guidance of about six Simmons consultants. Employees have reported that barrels may have been sent to Simmons for installation of ribs, and that receivers were not sent to Simmons but rather were milled and fitted with rib extensions in New Haven."...... "A purist would only collect guns without Simmons trademarks because they are all New Haven." ....."Winchester Shotguns And Shotshells", Ronald W. Stadt. page 108-09.
