Winchester 1912 Black Diamond Trap

[John Bastiani]

Originally Posted by Samuel Bishop

I bet it’s awesome listening to him. I would love to travel around and talk to all these seasoned collectors and view their unique pieces of functional art/history as well as hear their collecting stories and hunting/shooting stories.

I had a Black Diamond model 12 that was almost exactly like yours with the straight stock and small forend. It was made in 1922 with the 2 pin milled vent rib. Even though the gun was in 98% condition the pad had flattened through the years and I had to replace it like your gun. I did find a real Winchester pad and didn't use a repo. I have had several high grade model 12's(Pigeons-traps-skeets) but this had the best figured wood of the bunch(4x by winchester wood grading standards) Also: In the number 5 picture that you show-my gun had what I called a diamond and not a star. I'm not sure but I always heard that you have a real black diamond gun if the diamond(star) mark is present. Anyway-nice gun and most people don't realize how hard it is to find a black diamond model 12 especially with condition. I also had a black diamond model 97 trap.

[Bill Murphy]

I'm not sure Winchester collectors have really determined what the mark in the front of the take down part signifies. Some have the mark, some don't.

[Researcher]

I'm not sure but I always heard that you have a real black diamond gun if the diamond(star) mark is present.

99.9% sure that is an urban myth.

The "black diamond" in the stock is just a feature of the Trap Grade and the Pigeon Grade guns, both Model 1912 and 1897. Through at least 1926 Winchester paper the Trap and Pigeon grades are still with the "black diamonds." The next Winchester paper I have is July 1931 and for the Model 12 the Tournament Grade had been replaced with the Standard Trap Grade and the Trap Grade had been replaced with the Special Trap Grade which is still pictured with the "black diamond." The Model 97 was only offered in the Standard Grade as well as the Guard & Riot and the Trench Gun.

By the November 1932 Winchester catalog, after the Olins took over Winchester, The Model 12 was still shown in the Standard Trap Grade (no "black diamond") and the Special Trap Grade with the "black diamond." For the Model 97 a Standard Trap Grade (no "black diamond") was back in the listings. The offerings remained the same through 1938. These guns were offered in all gauges.

Things change for 1939. Both the Standard Trap Grade and Special Trap Grade are gone, and they are replaced with the Model 12 Trap Gun shown with no "black diamond" and in 12-gauge only. The Pigeon Grade is still offered in all gauges and shown with the "black diamond." In the 1941 Winchester catalog there are two Model 12 Pigeon Grades shown, one with the "Black diamond" and one without.

[Scott Smith]

Model 1912 Black Diamond Trap - circa 1919. 30 inch Full. Pistol Grip somewhat "open". Heavy round-nosed comb. Repro pad is temporary until an original is obtained.

[Samuel Bishop]

Very beautiful gun! Wood on yours is definitely better! Ive never had an English style stock till now it it is sort of neat and interesting since not as common for us in America especially older guns but I will say I wish I had pistol grip like yours feel more natural to me. Thank you for sharing pics!

[John Bastiani]

Originally Posted by Scott Smith

Model 1912 Black Diamond Trap - circa 1919. 30 inch Full. Pistol Grip somewhat "open". Heavy round-nosed comb. Repro pad is temporary until an original is obtained.

Thats a beautiful black diamond with a great piece of wood. Seems like everyone I see has a replacement pad. I guess the original rubber just wouldn't hold up. I started putting the muzzle down on my Winchesters with a pad in the safe so there wouldn't be any pressure on the pad. Even my model 21 Grand American with the factory leather covered pad is muzzle down. Also-your picture (number five) looks like the diamond mark on my gun. I never really researched this mark but its more than likely a inspectors mark.
.

[Scott Smith]

Thanks John, this gun had a petrified Pachmyer on when I got. I have no idea what butt treatment it originally had. Storing muzzle-down is probably a good idea.

[Samuel Bishop]

Originally Posted by John Bastiani

I had a Black Diamond model 12 that was almost exactly like yours with the straight stock and small forend. It was made in 1922 with the 2 pin milled vent rib. Even though the gun was in 98% condition the pad had flattened through the years and I had to replace it like your gun. I did find a real Winchester pad and didn't use a repo. I have had several high grade model 12's(Pigeons-traps-skeets) but this had the best figured wood of the bunch(4x by winchester wood grading standards) Also: In the number 5 picture that you show-my gun had what I called a diamond and not a star. I'm not sure but I always heard that you have a real black diamond gun if the diamond(star) mark is present. Anyway-nice gun and most people don't realize how hard it is to find a black diamond model 12 especially with condition. I also had a black diamond model 97 trap.

Yeah it has a Winchester pad but no clue what vintage. I will say this is the first I’ve ever seen so I would agree they are a rare sight. I’ve never seen a vintage gun in person with 32in barrels either so it’s pretty cool piece to have lasted as well as has from 1916.