The "Pigeon"...on Winchesters

Pauline added some very good info on the engraved pigeon on winchester 12's and 42's. Check out the above sticky! [8D][8D]

http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=393172

Here is her addition to the sticky:

quote:Originally posted by p.muerrle
Winchester pigeons and pigeon grades
Here is some info on pigeons and pigeon grade Model 12s and 42s that should straighten out some misconceptions.
Winchester pigeons were Marked on bbl. extensions using a special brass template to insure size and positioning was consistent. Once the pigeon was traced out it was cut in by hand. The number of lines underneath the pigeon, despite what a lot of people think was not consistent. It ranged between three up to five. On M42s it was sometimes just one applied with a liner tool or again it could be several. What is important to look for is the two bands on the wing and the matting on the head and neck area. Winchester engravers had special matting tools they made for this.
Pigeon grade M12s and M42s need to have exceptional grain in the stock and forearm. They were either embellished with a pigeon grade checkering pattern, A carved or B carved.
Pigeon grades, besides the pigeon could be engraved with any of the five patterns or not engraved at all.
The bolt and carrier were jeweled on pigeon grade guns.
Finally, all pigeon grades had hand polished internal parts. If you are looking at a supposed new in the box or a "near mint" pigeon grade and the action isn't as smooth as silk, beware.
There will always be an exception to the rule but they are extremely far and few between.