16Gauge 1 frame with 12 stamped in the Lug
 

I'm looking at a VH 16 Gauge that has 12 stamped perpendicular to the
frame size on the barrel lug. The gun shop had it tagged as a 12G.

My guess is that the gun was restored because of the relative good condition
and that the lug was replace.

Is that possible? Has anyone seen it before? Is it so jankey that
I should steer clear of the gun?

Thanks, - Tom

I have seen a faded "1 1/2" interpreted as a 12. However, I assume your example has a clear "1" and a clear "12", indicating a misstamp at the factory. A replaced lug is unlikely, since unfinished lugs would probably not be prestamped.

The guage is not always stamped on the lug along with the frame size.
When it is, it will usually be perpendicular to the frame size stamping. And a lot of times it will be stamped first and then the frame size. But, these statements are just what I have generally seen and there is always departures from the norm.

Another explanation is that the barrels could have been sleeved from 12g to 16g.
Look for sleeving lines in front of the chambers.

Thank you, The 12 and the 1 are clearly stamped and perpendicular.
I'll check again closely for sleeves.