Hello All;

  Just thought I’d add my 1 cents worth. I also have not seen Winchester’s Factory inscribed guns use Acid Etching. I’ve seen a Model 12 that was etched, but not done at the factory. The Winchester Factory inscriptions I’ve seen on their early firearms (1866’s, 1873’s, 1876’s 1886’s and “92’s) were all hand engraved, not etched. Colts on the other hand used the Acid Etched method quite often. Why even some of G. Youngs fancy gold “Inlayed” specials were actually partially “Gold Washed” in some areas, and not inlayed at all. Almost nothing ever seems to be what one thinks it is. Hey Wally B., how’s things going for you these days? I haven’t been on this forum in a spell, and seemed to loose track of what’s going on. Anyway, it’s my opinion that the side plate in the photo isn’t original to the rifle. 

Apache (YaTaHeyKola)