Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

Scott Wagner on Is this a phil klundt engraved gun

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:52:24 +0000

I believe the gun to be engraved, embellished by Phil Klundt. The proper term is " ACID RELIEF ETCHED ENGRAVING." The method uses acid to eat away the steel ( THE RELIEF ) and leave remaining the higher original steel untouched ( THE ENGRAVING, or scene ). The acid removed area is now lower than the untouched higher steel scene. It has a rough texture similar to punch dots engraving and in my opinion is an attractive background or component of the entire "Steel Canvas" used by the artist. There are a handful of similar style guns seen over the years. Sources being published books on Winchester firearms, auction recall history, gunshows, and my fortunate private observations. I own a unique pattern early Model 1912 Phil Klundt 12 gauge. Apparently Winchester refused the Phil Klundt style for mass production. However I do believe Winchester would accompany a customer request or try something new. I call these "ONE OFF FACTORY ORIGINAL GUNS." Key words..... FACTORY ORIGINAL. The order placed, idea created, and manufacturing process completed all overseen by Winchester. In addition to the early teens Phil Klundt 12 gauge I own, I have a 1940 Factory Original PIGEON GRADE GOLD INLAID ENGRAVED George Ulrich Engraved VENTILATED RIB - TWENTY GAUGE - and a 1962 Factory Original 3 - pin vent rib PIGEON GRADE GOLD INLAID ENGRAVED GAUGE 12 gauge by Kurt Jaeger. I will tell the non Winchester employee Kurt Jaeger FACTORY ORIGINAL engraved gun & factual documented story another day. I am a FACTORY ORIGINAL PURIST as to my gun collection. With an open mind to debate and discuss the fascinating and intriguing "One Off" Winchesters that we all enjoy! P.S. 2 clues about the 1940 Ventilated Rib 20 gauge..... it's 12 years too early for production run small gauge Ventilated Ribs & it's the most beautiful GOLD INLAID unique pattern I've seen!

TXGunNut on Is this a phil klundt engraved gun

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 02:27:26 +0000

I like the engraving style and I love the M12 as a Trap gun. It appears to be relief engraving inspired by original factory engraving scenes. I have an old Black Diamond Trap that I used to bring out now and then and I have a "Y-Model" Trap gun that always draws a crowd and absolutely powders birds when I do my part. I don't do well with a straight grip so the old gun has become a safe queen. Most days I prefer a bit heavier modern gun that fits me a bit better than either M12 but the M12 always makes me smile!

Klundt is an unusual name. Forty-some years ago I had an incredibly talented academy instructor named Klundt who somehow made the Texas Penal Code interesting and at times quite humorous. Trust me, that's no small feat!

Mike

evanderbeck62@gmail.com on Is this a phil klundt engraved gun

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 01:42:27 +0000

I had never heard of klundt until a couple weeks ago had this gun for years it was not a conventional engraving job but it looks kinda cool and I bought it right. Either way it will still be my go to trap gun. Just curious what everybody thought about it thanks Ed

Bert H. on Help ID H.R.O. markings on Model 1897

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:00:17 +0000

Horilka said
Hi Bert, I'm trying to get the S/N info. But the only thing it might help with is to see if 1906 is the date or other type of number.

Exactly... if the gun was actually made in 1906 (or slightly earlier).

Horilka on Help ID H.R.O. markings on Model 1897

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:42:22 +0000

Hi Bert, I'm trying to get the S/N info. But the only thing it might help with is to see if 1906 is the date or other type of number.

Bert H. on Help ID H.R.O. markings on Model 1897

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:38:15 +0000

Based on the slide bar marking, it appears to be a "D" series gun... what is the serial number on that gun?

I do not recognize the "H.R.O." marking.

Bert

Horilka on Help ID H.R.O. markings on Model 1897

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:34:01 +0000

Please help to ID these markings on regular length 1897, Full. Barrel has "H.R.O.", receiver "H.R.O. 1906."

evanderbeck62@gmail.com on Is this a phil klundt engraved gun

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:19:51 +0000

This gun had english walnut stocks on it when I got it i have never seen another like it. 2 pin milled back gun 30 in full I shoot it every week at trap my favorite model 12 I put custom roll over comb stock on it fit to me and I shoot it extremely good

evanderbeck62@gmail.com on Is this a phil klundt engraved gun

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:15:38 +0000

When I get home I will.try again for some pictures think I figured it out how to post

evanderbeck62@gmail.com on Is this a phil klundt engraved gun

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 02:17:23 +0000

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Bert H. on 1897 Black Diamond Damascus

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 22:42:27 +0000

Jim,

That is not a Damascus barrel on the gun in the picture you posted. It is a standard rolled steel barrel.

Bert

Jim91 on 1897 Black Diamond Damascus

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 20:51:52 +0000

Hi Bert,

here is a pic of the shotgun. Unfortunately, I only have this pic and one pic of the serial number at this time.

Bert H. on 1897 Black Diamond Damascus

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 19:30:38 +0000

Jim,

It is not possible at this time to answer your question. That stated, the total number manufactured was small.

Is the gun in question a Trap Gun, or a Fancy grade gun? 12-gauge? Barrel length? Pictures?

Bert

Jim91 on 1897 Black Diamond Damascus Production #'s

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 18:37:55 +0000

I recently found an 1897 Black Diamond Damascus shotgun (serial #436602) for sale. How rare if this gun?

Jim91 on 1897 Black Diamond Damascus

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 18:23:14 +0000

How many 1897 Black Diamond Damascus shotguns were produced? I found one for sale, but don't know that much about rarity (serial # 436602).