Who is the Winchester engraver?? Help
 

I recently pulled this very early Winchester factory engraved Pigeon Grade Model 1912 out for a good cleaning. I would like some help trying to nail down who the engraver was. Produced in 1917 if that helps. Has some characteristics of an Ulrich job but also some traits of Gough. Perhaps neither? All thoughts are appreciated.
Jared V

I'm betting it's something like Fukashima. Looks like a non-orginaal aftermarket job to me.

Nope. Its a real one. If you have Dave Riffle's book on the model 12 look especially at page 19. Just having trouble nailing down the engraver without buying R.L. Wilson's book on the subject. Thought maybe someone here with the knowledge of Winchester Engravers of this era could help without the uninformed smart ass jabs. I know my pictures aren't the best.
JJV

Jared, that is one beautiful Winchester. They look like Ulrich ducks, but the engraving pattern is not the standard prewar Pigeon Grade pattern. I have a pair of prewar Ulrich Pigeon Grades in the standard pattern, but your gun is not like that except for the ducks. Maybe Pauline Muerrle could take a look. She offers a Winchester engraving authentication service. paulinemuerrle.com I would buy your gun to keep my two company, but I'm sure you have other plans. By the way, sorry about your pup.

Thanks Bill. I want to take some better pictures and I will certainly email them to Ms. Muerrle. I forgot to mention that it is a two barrel set. Actually in Riffle's book, he pictures a never assembled, in the white receiver with an almost identical pattern as my gun. Mr. Riffle does not mention, however, who the engraving is attributed to.
JJV

very nice engraving who ever done it...very nice.... charlie

Ms. Pauline was very quick with a reply and to my great pleasure informed me that the engraving was definetly done by John Gough who was employed by Winchester only until 1918. Is this the same Gough of the A.H. Fox factory engravers?

Jared, have you considered a 'letter' from the Cody Museum? I know they ended up with a lot of factory records, from different makers, when public demand for authentication became overwhelming. You certainly do have a nice Winchester!

Mark,
Thanks for the suggestion. There is limited information available from Cody on the gun that I have. No mention of the engraver but I don't think there were too many early pigeon grades produced.
JJV

Model 12
 

I believe for a fee Pauline will write a letter for you.