Winchester Model 12 Black Diamond 12 GA 2 ¾” Pump Shotgun 30” 1919 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

Make: Winchester

Model: Model 12  

Serial Number: 212123

Year of Manufacture: 1919, C&R

Gauge: 12 GA, 2 ¾”

Action Type: Pump Action

Markings:  The bottom of the barrel is marked “212123”.  The bottom of the extension is marked “212123” with two alignment arrows.  The top of the receiver and barrel have “WP” Proofs. The left side of the barrel is marked “NICKEL STEEL / -TRADE MARK- / -WINCHESTER- / REG. IN U.S.PAT OFF. & FGN. / -MOD. 1912-12 GA. / FULL”.  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 top of the barrel and receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs.   The buttplate is marked “WINCHESTER / REPEATING / ARMS CO.” There is a ¾” black diamond on each side of the wrist. 

Barrel Length: 30”.

Choke: Fixed, FULL.

Sights / Optics: There is a metallic bead at the muzzle.  The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are two piece walnut with checkered straight grip, fluted straight comb, checkered hard rubber buttplate, and checkered pump grip.  There are no visible cracks. There are two scuffs with finish loss about ½” long and a few scattered scratches and compression lines throughout.  The checkering is still sharp.  Overall the stocks are in an Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued.

Finish Originality: Refinished.

Bore Condition: The smooth bore is semi-bright. There is faint erosion in the choke area. There are some fouling streaks concentrated at the chamber.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition:  This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are two ¼” bright scratches on the right side of the receiver.  There is minimal loss of bluing on the magazine tube.  The balance of the finish shows faint operational wear.  Overall, this shotgun rates an Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 12 gauge shotgun is an icon (some might say the icon) in the Winchester line.  You know a gun was designed and built right when over two million copies were produced over a 60-plus year span.  It is a highly regarded pump-action firearm celebrated for its ruggedness, adaptability, and reliability. This writer remembers one afield in the hands of his own grandfather with great nostalgia.

This particular Model 12 is a Black Diamond grade — with a higher grade of walnut stock.  It has no rib, which is somewhat rare in the upgraded Black Diamonds.  It has been both well cared for and professionally restored.  She does not show her age!  It would make an excellent addition to a Winchester collection or a very traditional fowling piece with bismuth shot.  -C.B.