Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

Bo Rich on Engraved Black Diamond 1897 20 gauge at OGCA/WACA show.

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:14:51 +0000

Thanks for the input Guys! I noticed that RIA had a 1941 Model 97 Black Diamond 20 Gauge engraved shotgun on auction in 2025. This may be the same gun that my Son saw at the show.

Dirtman324 on Engraved Black Diamond 1897 20 gauge at OGCA/WACA show.

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:02:25 +0000

I guess I'll join the party, I'm the owners son. Bert you met a family friend that travels with my dad from time to time in Cody I haven't had the pleasure of going quite yet. I think a few things got thrown around here that quite weren't right. The gun in question does have a Cody letter dated from 1978. Neither of us have said that you authenticated anything, as you said that you gave your opinion on it. It's something of interest either way and will get to the bottom of it in due time, until then it will just rest in the case 😉.

Bert H. on Engraved Black Diamond 1897 20 gauge at OGCA/WACA show.

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:32:02 +0000

Bo Rich said
My Son told me that he saw the same Model 1897 engraved Black Diamond 20 gauge made in 1941 that He saw last year. He told me that the owner told him that He got it authenticated last July at the Cody show. I told him that the gun was a made up gun that was not original. Bert, are you aware of this? Maybe, I missed something.

I am aware of it, and I was specifically asked my opinion of it, which I offered. However, I did not officially "authenticate" it. What I told the owner (and his son), was that it appeared to be factory Custom shop work. The gun and the case it is in are both superbly done, and I recommended that he contact Pauline Muerrle to see if she had any information about it, as Cody does not.

Bert

Bill Hanzel on Engraved Black Diamond 1897 20 gauge at OGCA/WACA show.

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:17:09 +0000

We will see, it has a letter, and Bert had it in his hands……. If that’s good enough for the Leary

TXGunNut on Engraved Black Diamond 1897 20 gauge at OGCA/WACA show.

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:43:27 +0000

As Ricklin points out, authentication involves paper. Let's see it! Personally I'd rather see the gun. Frankenchester or no I suspect it's purty!

Mike

Ricklin on Engraved Black Diamond 1897 20 gauge at OGCA/WACA show.

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:30:28 +0000

Now this sounds like it could get interesting. Authenticated at a show by whom, regardless of location a show does not authenticate a gun. If truly "authenticated" documentation should accompany by a recognized expert in 1897 Winchester shotguns. Let the documentation be your guide, my money is on there not being any other than perhaps a Cody serial look up.

Bo Rich on Engraved Black Diamond 1897 20 gauge at OGCA/WACA show.

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:20:27 +0000

My Son told me that he saw the same Model 1897 engraved Black Diamond 20 gauge made in 1941 that He saw last year. He told me that the owner told him that He got it authenticated last July at the Cody show. I told him that the gun was a made up gun that was not original. Bert, are you aware of this? Maybe, I missed something.

kem@meyersandshaulis.com on Model 12 pigeon grade

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:16:53 +0000

I don't have any pictures, but the gun is 99% with only minor cycling wear on the action bar. It is a late production gun #1968899.

Darrin Smith on Model 12 pigeon grade

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:28:13 +0000

Post as many pictures as your patience and ability allow highlighting the details of engraving and condition. There are links, within this forum, outlining the picture posting process.

Any number of experts on this forum will give you their analysis and answer any questions based off the pictures you post.

Darrin.

kik595 on winchester 1200 dating

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:11:37 +0000

Re above s/n, thanks!

Tom D on winchester 1200 dating

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:47:42 +0000

1987 production.

kem@meyersandshaulis.com on Model 12 pigeon grade

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:37:42 +0000

I am looking to purchase a Model 12 pigeon grade from a family member. It is factory engraved in pattern 1A with "A" pattern checkering. 30" barrel choked full. The condition is 99% with very little use. I know the gun is genuine as it was ordered by my grandfather in the early 60's and was given to my uncle at his passing. Trying to arrive at a fair price that does not break my bank. Gun Broker, the auction houses and seller's numbers range all over the board, no doubt due to questions of authenticity. Do any of you have any suggestions?

kik595 on winchester 1200 dating

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:18:32 +0000

Howdy all, mostly a pistol collector here but taking a look at a neighbor's 1200 Defender he wants to part with soon. Would 1986-88 be about right for serial L205296X?

Thanks!

James W on Pre-war Model 42 solid rib

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 21:11:29 +0000

Wonderful guns, gentlemen!! An enjoyment to see. Thanks for sharing them!!

Ricklin on Pre-war Model 42 solid rib

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:22:00 +0000

My bride and I share everything, including our location on Google maps. Should I have a similar situation, I do know how to "go dark"

Lovely and thanks for the pics. Every gun in this thread so far looks like a very honest example. Just that touch of field wear that is impossible to duplicate.