1915 Model 12 Question

[Researcher]

Here are the Tournament Grade from various Winchester paper. From a 1915 Winchester folder --

1915 Tournament Grade.jpg

From the 1916 Winchester catalog --

Tournament Gun 1916 Catalog No. 80, pg 142.jpg

From the 1920 Winchester catalog --

Tournament Grade, 1920 Catalog No. 82, pg 114.jpg

From the 1925 Winchester catalog --

Tournament Grade, 1925 Catalog No. 83, pg 42.jpg

By the next Winchester catalog I have, July 1931, the Tournament Grade had been replaced with the Standard Trap Grade, a gun offered in all three gauges. Also, the Trap Grade (Black Diamond) was replaced with the Special Trap Grade (also shown with the Black Diamond).

[davidboyles]

You have a very sweet M12. I've owned several duck models made somewhere around 1950. They will kill ducks close to a mile away!! Will surely kill doves with Lead at 60 plus yards . Enjoy this classic.

[Double Lab]

Sweet gun Joe. I'd contact Brian Dudley for the woodwork and leave the metal alone. He can freshen up the checkering and make it match the rest of the gun. You have a very desirable gun there.

[Bill Murphy]

Great advice, Daryl. Years ago, I bought a wonderful Tournament Grade two barrel set from a shop in Annapolis. It was about the same condition as the one pictured here. I sent it away to have the metal reblued. It was a great job, but I just couldn't live with that great old gun in new condition. I sold it cheap, because no one wanted a shiny new 100 year old Model 12. I won't make that mistake again. Somehow, Winchesters are not the same as old double guns. You can't bring a Winchester back from a bad refinish or even a good one.

[Joe D.]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Sweet gun Joe. I'd contact Brian Dudley for the woodwork and leave the metal alone. He can freshen up the checkering and make it match the rest of the gun. You have a very desirable gun there.

Daryl, I took your advice and contacted Brian Dudley about just what you recommended. I also learned from what Bill Murphy related about restoring a Winchester model 12. Brian agreed to accept the work which amazed me (given the extremely high caliber of his body of work). Long story short, Brian soaked the wood to remove oil and refinished the stock and forearm to a level commensurate with the condition of the gun. He also brought up the checkering beautifully. He has such a gift of harmony with the wood that I trusted his judgement implicitly. The gun is finished now and will be on the way to me directly. To my surprise, I had an email this morning with some pictures of the gun!! I could not be happier with what I see and am anxious to examine it gun-in-hand. I am sure it comes as no surprise to members of this board and it has been proven once again, Mr. Brian Dudley is one very talented and capable man. Thank You, Brian!

[Joe D.]

Click picture to enlarge....!

[Double Lab]

That's just great Joe. Brian has done quality work for me. Bring the old girl along next time we are together.