Angelo Bee Engraved David Porter Winchester Model 12 20 GA 25″ Shotgun C&R

SOLD FOR: $3075

LSB#: 230413DP001

Make: Winchester

Model: 12, Angelo Bee Engraved & David Porter Stocked.

Serial Number: 37648

Year of Manufacture: 1914

Gauge: 20 GA 2 3/4”

Action Type: Pump Action Takedown Shotgun

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NICKEL STEEL”, “TRADE MARK / -WINCHESTER- / REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF. & FGN.”, and “MOD. 1912-20 GA. FULL / 2 3/4″”. The top of the barrel and top of the receiver are marked with an Oval “WP” proof. The right side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, U.S.A. PAT. JULY / 21.1896. FEB 22. JUNE. 14. 1898. SEPT. 7. 1909. MAY. 17. 24. 31. JUNE. 7. 14. 28. JULY 5. 12. 1910. JULY 22. 1913” The receiver extension and bottom of the receiver are marked with the serial number. The receiver has been engraved by Angelo Bee with a Winchester Pigeon Grade live trap scenes. There is no Bee engraved, Angelo Bee does not engrave the Bee on Winchester factory patterns. The scenes used can be seen on page 527 of “The Winchester Book” by Madis. The receiver is also adorned with border and scroll engraving.

Barrel Length: 25” Solid Rib

Choke: Full

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted brass bead set on the rib at the muzzle. The rib and top of the barrel are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: These stocks are David Porter upgraded stocks. The stocks are checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a black hard rubber buttplate. The stocks have minor handling marks, no major defects. These are beautiful. The checkering is crisp. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Winchester buttplate. The plate has light wear with strong checkering and lettering. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: David Porter Restored

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its finish. There are a few little spots of erosion under the finish on the top of the receiver at the front. There is a patch of lightly discolored bluing on the left side of the receiver above the edge of the election port. There are some light handling marks. There is light operational wear. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. 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: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1912, also known as the Model 12, is a pump-action shotgun that was produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1912 until 1964. The development of the Model 1912 began in the early 20th century, as Winchester sought to create a new shotgun that would be an improvement over their existing models. The design of the Model 1912 was the work of T.C. Johnson, who was Winchester’s chief engineer at the time. Johnson’s goal was to create a shotgun that was more reliable, easier to use, and faster to reload than existing models. He accomplished this by designing a pump-action mechanism that was smoother and more efficient than previous designs, and by using stronger materials to improve the shotgun’s durability. The Model 1912 was initially offered in 20-gauge and 12-gauge versions, and later expanded to include 16-gauge and 28-gauge options. It featured a 5-round tubular magazine, and could be loaded and unloaded through the ejection port on the right side of the receiver. The shotgun was also designed to be disassembled easily for cleaning and maintenance. Over the years, the Model 1912 underwent a number of minor changes and improvements, including changes to the barrel length, stock design, and choke options. It was used extensively by hunters, sportsmen, and military forces during both World War I and World War II. Although production of the Model 1912 ceased in 1964, it remains a popular and highly regarded shotgun among collectors and enthusiasts today.

WOW! This one is an absolutely special gun to behold! It has been upgraded by David Porter and Angelo Bee. Mr. Porter and Angelo Bee have a close relationship, Mr. Porter has made stocks for him for many years. A Master Engraver at Browning, Angelo would eventually move to America to ply his trade after he had honed his skills to become one of the finest engravers in the nation. This skill shows in his breathtaking mixture engraved trap scenes and scrollwork. It does not bear the traditional buzzing bee that most Angelo Bee masterpieces have because it is a factory replica, the original Winchesters didn’t have the bee so neither does this one! This work is an early Winchester design that can been seen on page 527 of “The Winchester Book” by Madis. Mr. Porter has been stock making and checkering for over 40 years and is legitimately one of the best. We have had the pleasure to speak with him on multiple occasions and his wealth of knowledge on the topic, and Winchesters specifically, is mind boggling. These stocks are stunning, Mr. Porter’s work truly exudes old world craftsmanship from a bygone era when wood was checkered by hand with the utmost care. When holding this gun the passion is conveyed, anyone who holds it can instantly feel the passion that went into it from some of the best in the industry. The lucky winner will positively have a collection-enhancing piece that conveys the class and craftsmanship that can only be achieved by true artisans…it sure doesn’t hurt that the canvas happens to be a Winchester either! Whether a safe queen or a head turner at the range, this beautiful Model 12 speaks for itself! Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red