doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Model 12 question

I bought the Model 12 I alluded to last week at an estate sale. Even though it turned out to be a y series gun, I'm a sucker for custom engraved guns. This one does not appeared to be signed. The engraving is 100% coverage. The stock has some fine checkering with oak leaves at the pistol grip and a few running down the forend. It also has seven silver inlays; dog and three birds on one side of the action and a dog and two birds on the other side of the action. Based on the serail # y2005xxx, I figure the gun was made in 1972. It does have the factory (I believe) orginal red pad.

My guestions are, first, are the silver inlays sterling silver or could they be platinum as they have no tarnish. Second, I know that the gun was likely an after market custom job, but is there a chance it could have been a factory custom job? The action does have a distinct purple color, however, I have decided that it was the result of the reblue after the engraving and I will live with it as the blue on the total gun is about 98%. The gun has a vent rib with a 30 inch barrel. Since I paid about what I feel the gun was worth without the custom work I do not believe I came out too bad.

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Max

Hate to be 'bustin' your bubble" so to speak- but, IMO, as a serious Model 12 man, the Y series Model 12's are to the real Model 12's (the one that WRA killed off in 1963)as are the Jap made Parker reproductions to the real Parkers made in Meriden, CT up until 1934, and the real LC Smiths made in Fulton, NY up to 1945-- All the custom shop Model 12's that were engraved, according to Madis, had the engraver's initals or hallmark on the weapon-- Hard to say where you Y series was 'customized" but my money says NOT at the WRA custom shop-- can we see some photos perhaps- The Y series guns will shoot as well as the pre-1964 guns, and will most likely perform as well for your grandson in years to come as it does for you-- but the collector value will differ from a pre-1964, and IMO again, the pre-WW11 Model 12's (and pre-1920 Model 1912's)were the best ever built, whether field grade or Pigeon, Trap or Tournament--

A picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to engraving. I have a pretty good idea of what you have but won't comment further without pictures.

Regards,
Roger

RWTF,

I did not buy into the gun for the collector value. I bought because of the outstanding engraving for the price I paid. To my eye this level engraving way over shadows any standard Winchester factory patterns. All in what you value. I will take pictures this p.m. and if someone will give me their email address I will send pictures to be posted.

Regards,

Max