Serial # is in the 33K range. Gun is marked 'Custom Built by Winchester' on rib, 32" VR IM/F Flatside with no engraving. As you see, has Monte Carlo with Shadow Line Cheeckpiece. 12 gauge 2&3/4" markings on barrel of course. Single line border on checkering and barrel markings makes this just before the 'Custom Shop' era but otherwise fully consistant with 'Custom Built', engine turned surfaces and forearm insert.
Actually purchased the gun because the wood was so spectacular.
I believe that this gun was made shortly before the 'Custom Shop' era and possibly ordered before the Custom Shop but delivered during the era. How would Winchester have handled order submitted before and delivered during? who knows. probably lost in the mists of antiquity. Anyway, showed the gun to Tony Galazan and he agrees that its Winchester original and offered to purchase on the spot from me. Really spectacular piece of work. Won't tell you the dealer that sold it to me but dealers treat guns as commodities and the forearm just wasn't noticed or thought much about. I surmise the other problem for purchasers was that the gun had no record which is different than a gun that has a record and been changed. I took a good look at it, called one dealer that had seen the gun and purchased it.
It took Schwing's book and putting these forearms together to sort out the 'Hession' for me. At least i think so, you never know.-Dick
Last edited by Dick_dup1; 03/05/07 11:57 AM.
