Model 12 12 gauge thoughts/ condition value|Winchester Shotguns|Forum|Winchester Collector

How long is the barrel? Looks like 26. 

Mike

I’m not sure this brings anything to the conversation but, after enlarging some of the images several diameters, here is what I think I see:

1. The Walnut buttstock appears to be from a blank of straight-grained heartwood, something Winchester tried to use when it was available because of its strength, durability and ability to take finer checkering. The Walnut forearm appears to be made of sapwood, with another grain pattern entirely, although the latter may just be the result of having been turned in the round. Still, I thought that, at least in early years, Winchester made an effort to match two-piece stocks. 

2. The topcoats appear to be of different ages – the buttstock appears to have been finished in an oil varnish that has darkened over years of Sunlight exposure. The forearm topcoat appears to be clear lacquer. 

3. I’m certain the checkering was done by different workmen — the forearm was inexpertly done; way too many overruns. I agree with Bert the pistol grip pattern was at least partially recut at some point. 

4. I’m less certain about this and may well be wrong, but, whereas the buttstock pattern is fullsome,  the forearm side panels look too narrow, as if done at a much later date.

The finer points of the Model 12 escape me and I’m sure there are clues I cannot see, but is it possible the buttstock was original and the forearm a much later replacement from factory inventory or fabricated by a local stockmaker?