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winchester model 12- 12 guage 1913

dave321
Ive recently aquired a winchester model 12 12 guage pump mod. the last date on the barrel is 1913. It still shoots. blueing has worn off. No rust on it. what is the value? thanks Dave
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  • Bert H.
    Hello Dave...

    The 1913 date is nothing more than a Patent date. The serial number (found on the bottom of the frame and the barrel assembly) will tell us when it was actually made.

    A Model 12 12 gauge with little or no original blueing left is nothing more than a nice shooter... and it has very little collector value. Most 12 gauge Model 12s in the condition you describe sell for about $200.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • only winchesters
    Welcome to the foum Dave! Bert is correct on the serial number issue. Since your gun is marked "Model 12" the only thing I can tell you is that it was most likely made somewhere between 1918, (the first year they stamped barrels Model 12, was Model 1912), and 1940 the last year they stamped the patent dates on the right side of the barrel. Yes there are a few Md 12's with patent dates made after 1940, it's because Winchester didn't have a great Inventory Control System. The latest gun I've seen with patent dates, was a 1945 Skeet gun. That barrel was in inventory for awhile.

    Now certain features, and configurations can add value. "model 12 12 guage pump mod". If I'm understading what you are trying to say, your gun has a modified choke? This is a little rarer than the standard Full choke which was number one in production. Standard barrel lengths were 26,28,30, and 32 inches, measured from the face of the breech bolt to the end of the barrel. They also came with a plain round barrel, or a Solid Rib, down the top of the barrel. Vent Rib barrels were generally found on "Black Diamond" grade and Trap grade guns, not a standard field grade gun.

    So if you happen to have a "Nickle Steel" gun, (barrels stamped with Nickle Steel up to 1930) instead of a "Winchester Proof Steel" found after 1930, with a 26 in. Modified choke with a Solid Rib that would be rare. Or a 30-32 in barrel with a modified choke that would be very rare, and even in the condition you stated, would be worth more than a standard Md 12.

    So even though it may be average condition, to understand exactly what you have you need to provide more info. I'd hate to say your gun is only worth $200. only to find out later that you really had something rare and worth 2 or 3 times that, or more!!! Regards Dave
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  • dave321
    the serial number is 72716 winchester prof steel on the barreln not ribbed
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by dave321
    the serial number is 72716 winchester prof steel on the barreln not ribbed


    Hello dave321...

    It is not possible for the serial number to be "72716" and have a "Proof Steel" barrel unless it was rebarreled at a much later date. Serial number 72716 indicates a very early made gun (circa 1914), and it would ordinarily have a "nickel steel" barrel and be marked "MODEL 1912".

    Now, I kind of suspect that you missed one digit in the serial number, and you have a gun that was made during the 1930s. Please recheck the serial number.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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