1959 Model 12 16ga|Winchester Shotguns|Forum|Winchester Collector

Clarence, It may be the lighting but the hue and reflectivity of the receiver’s finish seems markedly different from that of the barrel: the receiver’s finish appears flatter and blacker, as if smoke blued rather than Dulite, although the gun is late for that process. I did note the encouraging wear patterns. 

Bert, Thank you for the reference. I should have remembered the topic is on the list of topics. 

Something I read in the Winchester shotgun book written by that University of Illinois Carbondale professor (name ?) stuck with me. It was to this effect: If a gun is properly and expertly processed,  it can be impossible to tell whether it’s finish is original. 

clarence said

Zebulon said

Something I read in the Winchester shotgun book written by that University of Illinois Carbondale professor (name ?) stuck with me. It was to this effect: If a gun is properly and expertly processed,  it can be impossible to tell whether it’s finish is original.  

Well, maybe, but I’m skeptical.  The very best of the restorers like Turnbull come close, but even their work has a crispness & gleam that arouses suspicion, even if you can’t pick out a single fault.

  

The book is Winchester Shotguns and Shotshells, Krause Publications 1995. Author Ronald W. Stadt. 

I suggest Stadt’s “properly processed” can include the introduction of subtle but artificial wear patterns, post Turnbull  OR simply carrying in the field for a year post restoration.

 Turnbull is in the business of “making new again”, which is a legitimate market. To his credit, I believe he marks his work to discourage fraud. 

Granted very few have the necessary skill and even I have held in my hands “99%” Model 21 Skeet guns that would glow in the dark.

clarence said

Zebulon said

I suggest Stadt’s “properly processed” can include the introduction of subtle but artificial wear patterns, post Turnbull  OR simply carrying in the field for a year post restoration.

 Turnbull is in the business of “making new again”, which is a legitimate market. To his credit, I believe he marks his work to discourage fraud. 

More power to him, whom I remember well from the old Syracuse Gun Show with samples of his work displayed on one table; that’s 40+ yrs ago, & I’d never seen anything to compare.  I’m glad there are enough fat-cats to keep alive the talent of all those working for him, but I wouldn’t want one of those re-builds, even if I could afford one.

I’ve had some experience with artificial aging, to the extent of thinning the blue on the corners of oct brls, & rubbing down case-colored rcvrs.  Don’t think it would fool a real expert who looked closely, but greatly improves general appearance.

  

As we know from history, condition enhancement doesn’t usually get passed on by a real expert at point of sale while  the rube [excuse me, “buyer “] is holding The Precious in his hands.  Unless it’s a very high dollar item and the more cautious rube has engaged a “real expert” — in which case we need to take a real close look at the expert and who his friends might be. It’s a wicked World.