1947 Winchester 20g Model 12 (Skeet Grade?) w/Polychoke; need help with value.

[jcm800]

I recently inherited a few of my father's guns, and among them was this 1947 Winchester 20g Model 12 w/Polychoke. Never quite understood why Dad bought this one in the early 70's, he never hunted or shot skeet that I recall. It is in remarkable condition considering the age, partly due to it having spent at least the last 50yrs in a gun safe, never seeing the light of day.

In that I know next to nothing about shotguns I took to researching the internet to try and learn as much as I could about this one.
I realize there is a lot of misinformation on the internet, but here is what i was able to find:

• Serial number dates it to 1947
• It has been re-barreled with a ribbed(not vent) Winchester WS-2 mail order barrel (for gunsmith installation) with Polychoke affixed to the end. The barrel has a proof marks just past the receiver that would indicate the rebarreling: an oval with the letter "P" inside and an oval with "WP" inside.
• It appears to have an aftermarket butt pad added to the end of the stock, as well as an amber/boned colored decorative cap affixed to the heel of the pistol grip area.
• Furniture is fancy grade, checkered walnut.

When reviewing gun value reference books, etc., I was unable to find any clear indication of how significantly the re-barreling and Polychoke would detract from the value, but I got the impression it was fairly detrimental. Posting some pictures in hopes that the members more knowledgeable about Model 12s will review and confirm, correct or add to any of the above.

Thanks for looking!

-Geoff

Read More

 

[jcm800]

More pictures.....

 

[jcm800]

Still looking for some guidance as to what this old m12 might be worth.
Thanks
-Geoff

 

[VinnieBoomBah]

The wood is beautiful, some of the nicest I have seen outside the Supergrades, that helps The overall condition is great as well. Factory barrel I would guess $800 / $900, as is I would not make a face if you listed it staring at $650.00 but realistically maybe closer to $550.00

All of that is a guess, that might be the holy grail for someone and they would drop a grand and never look back

 

[64MercurysRule]

That is one Beautiful Winchester right there . Don't see many like that .

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Beautiful shotgun for damn sure.

As pointed out...the polychoke and aftermarket recoil pad hurt the value for collectors.
I get the "why " behind why they were added / done...especially when considering the era they were done.

While some sort of Blue book may state a different value...
I would guess somewhere between $500 and $800 ...depending on who is looking.
Andy

 

[Andy54Hawken]

I would love to take this Model 12 out for grouse....
I hope this shotgun goes to someone who will appreciate the fine lines here...along with the workmanship that went into this shotgun.
Andy

 

[jcm800]

I appreciate all of the input/giidance. I will very likely end up listing this for sale soon and this has given me a decent price range to follow.
Thank you!

 

[10mm]

They don't make fine firearms like that anymore. GLWS! Somebody will want that piece of sporting history, especially in 20 ga.