The M25, 1949-1954 only in 12 gauge had the one fubar WRA clowns tried out- also on the M12 Heavy Duck guns of that era- the so-called "Dog Leg" style op. rod-- see the Madis book for more details if you'd like. None of my 7 12 gauge M12's have that design snafu-earliest dates to 1921, latest to 1949-- after the Remington 870 replaced the fine M31, WRA guys were scrambling to cheapen their mfg. costs of the M12 (and M21) and still turn a profit- disaster-- RWTF
Here’s a story for you. I never actually go to auctions but about 9 months ago I won an item on proxibid while the auction was taking place 40 minutes away. So I decided to run up and pick it up. While I was sitting there waiting my turn I saw a model 25 bid to $3800. I had never heard of or seen one before. It was a “trench gun” I just assumed it had significant documented history. I guess I still don’t know - it seemed odd to me.
A woman told me once about the time her husband and his brother agreed one of them HAD to buy the shotgun being auctioned at the local DU banquet. They weren't sitting near one another, and neither realized they were bidding against one another until a really high price had been paid. Yes, drinking was involved. I think about that story every time I hear about unexpected auction results.
I didn't know that-are M12 lughtweight models also collectible? My son-in-law, who is left handed, inherited a M25- std. 28" plain barrel full choke- shoots just like a Model 12- RWTF
Japanese engraved Model 25 with standard wood, rare? I don't think so. Neither Model 25s or lightweight Model 12s have any collector value. Jap engraved Model 12s may assume some collector value on the 100th anniversary of WW2. Not today.
actually, it is incredibly rare, the only one of it's kind with that aftermarket engraving. Rare yes, original no, desirable no, valuable no - but rare