German Marked Winchester 101 Diamond Grade Skeet 12GA Over Under Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 221208BG027
Make: Winchester
Model: 101 Diamond Grade Skeet German Proof Marked
Serial Number: DG458811
Year of Manufacture: 1984 (“IE” Date Code)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Top-Break Over/Under Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger and Ejectors
Markings: The left side of the top barrel is marked “WINCHESTER “Diamond Grade” SKEET-12 GA – 2 3/4?”. Each barrel has a Winchester Proof, German “Eagle / N” proof, “18:6 mm”, and “SKEET” on the left just forward of the chamber. The top of the rib is marked “Diamond Grade”. The bottom of the lower barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The monoblock is marked “458811”. The barrel lug is marked “12-2 3/4” in oval. The left side of the barrel lug is marked with an “IE” date code, “7”, German “Eagle / N” proof mark, and an “Ulm” antler proof. The coin receiver is deluxe floral engraved with deep relief diamonds on each side of the receiver. The bottom of the receiver is relief-engraved “Diamond / Grade” in a diamond and “WINCHESTER”. The top tang is marked “DG458811”. The water table has a “WP” in oval proof and German “Eagle / N” proof mark. The forend hardware is marked “458811” and the inside wood is stamped “8811”.
Barrel Length: 27 1/2” With Ventilated Serrated Rib and Muzzle Vents.
Choke: Skeet/Skeet, Fixed
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead in a base at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, checkered walnut buttplate, black diamonds inset to the top of the wrist and bottom of the grip and beavertail forend. There is a faint hairline split on the right side of the wrist adjacent to the back of the trigger guard. We are unsure if this split is simply in the finish or goes through to the wood as well. There are some minor compressions along the comb. There are some faint swirls on the sides of the buttstock. The forearm shows light handling marks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, 14″ to the back of the wood. The plate has scattered light wear, mostly at the heel. The drop at comb is about 1 1/2?, drop at heel is about 2 1/8?. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Fine condition and would rate higher if not for the small split.
Type of Finish: The receiver and forend hardware have a coin finish and the barrels are blued. The ejectors are jeweled.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels have light wear caused and concealed by the forend when assembled. The edges of the rib have a few minor nicks. The coin finish has a few spots of minor discoloration, mostly in the bottom tang. The screw heads are sharp. The pin heads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. It has a single selective recoil operated trigger. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The shotgun comes in a beige leather suitcase.
Our Assessment: The iconic Model 101 is a shotgun with legendary styling and handling and the unquestionable reliability you expect from Winchester firearms. The Diamond Grade features detailed engraving, white finished hardware, and wood stocks with beautiful grain. This shotgun features white bead sights, muzzle vents, jeweled ejectors and a single selective trigger. It is the Skeet variant chambered for 12 gauge shells, not quite so challenging as .410. This neat example bears German proof marks and an “IE” date codes. It is in about Fine-Plus condition with light use and handling wear, most in the wood. If you’re looking for a 12 gauge skeet gun, you won’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!
