Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Shotguns

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.

Zebulon on Winchester Model 25 dating...........

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:38:16 +0000

And you don't have to worry about the takedown junction loosening up.

Mine is not the unbelievable bargain Don's solid rib 20 gauge was - that's the farthest I've ever seen $500 stretch -- but if I ever get to go on a Mexican dove safari, my Polychoked Model 25 will go with me.

Nevada Paul on Pre-war Model 42 solid rib

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:31:10 +0000

george@georgeamlott.com said
Again….. sorry for the glare. Good natural light has been absent here in Northern Michigan the last few days 🤨

Great photos and a really nice find!

There is something about those M42's that has always appealed to me. They just look 'special', like art and function perfectly intertwined.

In my mind, the M42 and M71 are the most attractive and visually pleasing ever produced by Winchester.

James W on Winchester Model 25 dating...........

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:07:28 +0000

Thanks Bert. I wondered about that. Thanks for the help.

Bert H. on Winchester Model 25 dating...........

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 01:59:09 +0000

Yes, that is true. However, with just a 5-year production run (March 1949 - late 1954) consisting of approximately 88,000 guns, the precise date of manufacture is nearly a moot point.

Bert