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Winchester Model 12 Pigeon Skeet – Factory Rib, Late Black Diamond, Special-Order Features (1954) Guns International #: 103461289 Seller's Inventory #: Category: Winchester Shotguns - Model 12 Diamond Grade - Shotguns - Skeet Seller's Information When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com Seller: parkerposy Member Since: 12/26/14 First Name: Casey State: California Zip: 95006 Country: United States Phone: (831) 331-7553 Number of Active Listings: 4 Total Number of Listings: 31 Seller: Private Seller Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns. Buyer pays the actual shipping costs. Payment Types Accepted: Personal Check or Money Order Description: Offered is a Winchester Model 12, 12 gauge Skeet configuration, manufactured in 1954, representing a scarce and highly desirable late-production special-order Skeet gun with multiple premium factory features. This shotgun is fitted with a 26-inch barrel, factory marked SKEET with CYL choke, and retains its original Winchester factory ventilated rib, correctly identified by the presence of two transverse rib pins and offset barrel and receiver proof marks, confirming factory installation prior to proofing. The barrel markings, font, placement, and finish are correct for the period, and the barrel is original to the gun. The stock is factory deluxe walnut fitted with a flush black diamond wrist inlay, correctly sized and proportioned for late post-WWII production. The diamond’s scale, placement, and finish are consistent with Winchester’s final era of black-diamond Model 12 stocks, a feature that had largely disappeared by the mid-1950s and was only infrequently ordered at that time. The stock exhibits correct factory checkering patterns and contours and has not been refinished or altered. An especially notable feature is the factory hand-engraved pigeon motif on the front assembly above the serial number as well as the "SKEET" marked below the the serial number on the reciever. The metal finish is original, showing honest, even wear consistent with careful use. There is no evidence of rebluing, polishing, or refinishing. The engraving remains crisp, the rib is solid, and the gun retains excellent mechanical integrity. Historical Context Winchester continued to build Model 12s with black-diamond deluxe stocks into the early 1950s, though by that time they were rarely ordered and typically reserved for special-order guns. A documented example of a Winchester Model 12 Black Diamond Trap gun manufactured in 1953 resides in the NRA National Firearms Museum, demonstrating that the black-diamond configuration was still being produced in the immediate period preceding this gun. The present shotgun represents the same late-era continuation of that feature, applied here to a Skeet configuration with additional special-order elements. Summary This is not a standard catalog Skeet Grade, but rather a factory special-order Model 12 combining: Factory ventilated rib (two-pin, offset proofs) 26" Skeet barrel with CYL choke Pigeon Grade Original finishes and correct components throughout Late black-diamond Model 12s are scarce; examples configured as Pigeon grade Skeet guns with factory ribs are rarer still. This shotgun represents one of the final expressions of Winchester’s deluxe hand-finished tradition applied to the legendary Model 12. The only flaw I can find is a tight tiny crack going from the left side of the receiver at the wrist and it goes about 1/2" to he beginning of the black diamond. (see lst photo)  The line you see on the back side of the diamond is not a crack.  Just the grain of the wood.   Price: $7,500.00 Curio/Relic: Yes Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge Manufacturer: Winchester Model: 12 Serial Number: 1606171 Barrel Length: 26 Condition: Excellent Metal Condition: Excellent Wood Condition: Excellent Bore Condition: Excellent Rib: Ventilated