Winchester Model 1912 Pigeon Grade Two Barrel Set – 1947
LSB#: 120312BH02
Make: Winchester
Model: 12
Serial Number: 1039853
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 ¾”
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the 12 Ga. “FULL” barrel is marked “Made In New Haven, Conn. U.S. of America / Winchester Proof Steel / Winchester / Trademark / Model 12 – 12 GA. -2 ¾” CHAM. / FULL”. There are two Winchester proof marks, one on the center of the receiver top and the other to the left side of the rib on the Full barrel. The bottom of the barrel shows an arrow and a pigeon. The number “1039853” is found on the barrel and on the receiver.
The second barrel set is “MOD” and is marked “Made In New Haven, Conn. U.S. of America / Winchester Proof Steel / Winchester / Trademark / Model 12 – 12 GA. – 2 ¾” CHAM. / MOD”. This barrel set also shows the arrow and pigeon and is numbered “1039853”.
The receiver is engraved on the left side with a pointing dog and a marsh scene. The right side of the receiver is engraved with two ducks in a marsh. The engraving is simple and elegant. The detail is fantastic and you can clearly see individual blades of grass and feathers. The letters “BE” are found behind the trigger guard. The engraving may be “Pattern 2” and the wood “Type B”. Both check out as original Winchester Pigeon grade.
Barrel Length: The “Full” barrel set is 30”, the “MOD” barrel set is a hair shy of 28”.
Choke: FULL and MODIFIED
Sights / Optics: The gun is mounted with a full length rib with two beads (one small mid length and a low “red” plastic at the muzzle) on the “FULL” set, and a full length rib with a single bead on the “MOD” set.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are Deluxe grade wood. The “FULL” forend is sharply checkered. There are many minor compression marks from use but no chips or cracks. There is one more obvious scratch on the right side at the muzzle end of the checkering.
The “MOD” forend, while also Deluxe wood, sharply checkered and without cracks or chips, shows finish wear mainly on the right side along the top of the forend (our consignor was left handed). There are few marks on this stock.
The buttstock is sharply checkered Deluxe wood and is configured with the “English” style straight stock. There are scattered compression marks and some finish loss. The bottom of the stock behind the trigger guard shows some marks and finish loss. There is a 6” shallow but obvious rub / mark which doesn’t look like it penetrates the wood along the left side of the buttstock, about 2” down from the top edge. The LOP measures approx. 14 ¼” from the front of the gold plated trigger to the back of the rubber Winchester buttpad. The rubber is still pliable. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition..
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: The “Full” barrel set and receiver look original, the “MOD” set has been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no apparent erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun with its “FULL” barrel set attaced, retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minor wear at the muzzle and two small spots of pinprick erosion on the left side of the barrel about 10 inches back from the muzzle. The receiver edge that mates with the barrel set shows some tool marks and finish loss from reassembly. Please see our photos. There is general wear along this same edge and also on the bottom of the receiver. The left side of the receiver has a few light scratches in the finish above the trigger guard. The right side shows just a minor scratch along it’s rear edge. The gun shows good honest and natural age. The (non-jeweled) bolt shows wear and frosting visible through the ejection port. The “MOD” barrel set shows pitting and scratches under the re-blue, mostly on the right side of the barrel and on both sides at the breech. The metal is mostly smooth on the barrel. The right side of the threads and the “ring” show deeper pock marks and pitting . The Screw heads are sharp and undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition for the receiver and “FULL” set, and Fair to Good for the “MOD” set.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There are two barrel sets included, the “FULL” barrel set is installed on the receiver.
Our Assessment: This is a rare, high grade, beautiful and desirable Pigeon grade Model 12 – WITH TWO MATCHING NUMBER BARREL SETS. This gun shows honest field use and age, though no abuse, It has many years of useful life left and is a beauty to handle and just appreciarte. If you are looking at this beautiful shotgun, you should already understand what we have here. This is trul;y one of the best Winchester shotguns ever made, and whether a collector or a hunter looking for that special shotgun for the field – THIS IS IT!
Sold For: $2,792
