Dennis, the serial numbers date it to 1943. As for having the checkered butt, auto ejectors and single trigger in a Field Grade, anything was possible, you could order them anyway you wanted (within reason). As far as having a 13" stock, why not, just right for a woman or a person with short arms. L.C. Smith stated that all shotguns not ordered to any specific length was shipped out at 14 inches. Does it have a single selective trigger, or a single trigger? As far as value, with everything matching and if condition is as you stated and you did have a letter from Cody Museum stating so, I would think it would be worth more than a few thousand plus.