1946 Winchester model 12
I have a winchester model 12 and from the serial number was told it was manufactured in 1946. It is not a trench gun, I think it is a standard? It has US stamped on the side and the flaming bomb stamp as well on the side and bottom. It has a 26 or 28" barrel (not sure), plain stock with orange rubber cusion on the end. The person that I got it from said it was his grandfathers who was a military pilot and he always carried it in the cockpit with him along with a victory .38 he gave me as well. It is in very good to excellent condition. How can I figure out what style it is for sure and how much it is worth?
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
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Hello Sir I don't want to rain on your parade. but I suspect the shotgun was used by service clubs on skeet ranges. I dont think a fighter Pilot would carry a shotgun in the cockpit. some times stories get confused or enhanced. if your date is correct and the gun was made 1946 there would be no reason to be armed after all fighting was over in 1945 0 -
The flaming bomb and U.S. stamp help the value. can you post some photos? 0 -
I agree with perry shooter... with a full length barrel, it was one of the shotguns purchased for aerial gunnery training (Skeet shooting essentially).
As for when it was actually manufactured, that can only be determined by the serial number. The currently published, and the various internet websites, are not accurate as they pertain to Winchester serial numbers. Your Model 12 was most likely manufactured during the war (1943 or 1944), but I will need the serial number to confirm that.0 -
I measured the barrel and it is indeed a 28". The serial number is 1004657. It has a smooth plain stock and grooved action grip. Unfortunately I can't figure out how to post my pictures. Perhaps I can email them? I had said the stock had a orange rubber cushion, but now that I look at it, it is brown. I still would like to know what type it is heavy duck,standard etc. and how to find out its value. I don't know anything about gun appraisal but I would say it is in excellent condition 95%. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by tdelta88
I measured the barrel and it is indeed a 28". The serial number is 1004657. It has a smooth plain stock and grooved action grip. Unfortunately I can't figure out how to post my pictures. Perhaps I can email them? I had said the stock had a orange rubber cushion, but now that I look at it, it is brown. I still would like to know what type it is heavy duck,standard etc. and how to find out its value. I don't know anything about gun appraisal but I would say it is in excellent condition 95%.
A "Heavy Duck" model 12 will have a 3 inch chamber and different barrel stampings than a standard grade M12. Being a military shotgun with a 28 inch barrel, it was probably, as stated previously in this thread, a military training shotgun. Check the chamber length stamping on the left side if the barrel. It should be 2 3/4 inches. As for value, the military stamping will add value, but the bottom line is condition and originality. Standard Grade model 12 in 95% condition- 400 dollars + maybe 10% for pre-war manufacturing and a few points for military ordinance marks. Roughly a 500 to 600 dollar gun depending on the market.0 -
Just as I suspected, your Model 12 was manufactured in 1943 (very early in the year 1943).
Without detailed pictures of the gun, we are left guessing as to the exact variation, and what it is potentially worth. What you have not yet mentioned, is the choke marking. That will possibly help in determining what variation it is.
As for posting pictures, please read the Sticky Post near the top of the forum. It describes what you need to do to post pictures on Gunbroker.0 -
Here is some pictures. The choke says full. I really appreciate your comments and the advice you give me. It is very exciting to know it was made in early 1943 instead of after the war. 
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It is a standard Field Grade gun. The rubber recoil pad was installed by someone other than the factory, and as such, it is a negative hit to the collector value... especially if the stock was cut down to fit the pad. Still, and with the fact it has martial markings, it has some allure to collectors. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
It is a standard Field Grade gun. The rubber recoil pad was installed by someone other than the factory, and as such, it is a negative hit to the collector value... especially if the stock was cut down to fit the pad. Still, and with the fact it has martial markings, it has some allure to collectors.
Thanks Bert. Your comments have been very helpful and you seem very knowledgable about this gun. Could you give me your opinion on a value? Also, could you tell me how I can verify the exact age of 1943 rather than the inaccurate internt sites?0 -
quote:Originally posted by tdelta88
quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
It is a standard Field Grade gun. The rubber recoil pad was installed by someone other than the factory, and as such, it is a negative hit to the collector value... especially if the stock was cut down to fit the pad. Still, and with the fact it has martial markings, it has some allure to collectors.
Thanks Bert. Your comments have been very helpful and you seem very knowledgable about this gun. Could you give me your opinion on a value? Also, could you tell me how I can verify the exact age of 1943 rather than the inaccurate internt sites?
You are quite welcome. My particular interests lie with all of the pre-1964 manufactured Winchester models, and as a result, I have a lot of hands on experience with them.
In my opinion, your Model 12 is worth at least $500. How much more it might bring is pure guess work. The only way to ever know the answer, will be the day you sell it.
You can verify the 1943 date by disassembling the barrel assembly and verifying the 2-digit year number stamp on the bottom of the barrel.0
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