3 OLD Shotgun questions

[ZBill]

A friend asked me to research 3 shotguns. Any input is appreciated especialy approximate date of manufacture.

1) Winchester 1911SL, 28" Full 12 GA w/ Hartford Polychoke. SN 70XXX, with swirled engraving on receiver and barrel to include a BIPLANE on the left side of the receiver and a person's name on the right side of the frame. This has a knurled area on the barrel which must be pushed down to open the action. Never seen such a shotgun.

2) Remington 12 GA 26" with Hartford polychoke, barrel marked imp. cyl. SN149XXX and looks like an Browning A5. No model number evident. Interesting stamp on right side of barrel REP in an oval with an anchor stamped next to it. Possible Navy connection?

3) Winchester Model 12 12 GA 30" Full barrel marked for Superspeed and Super X 3", SN 150XXX. This must be a duck or goose duck gun.

Thanks for any input, Bill

 

[SDC]

The 1911SL is a really early one, built between 1911 and 1914 (between 1914 and 1925, it was called the 11SL); I'm sure someone else will be along shortly to give you a more precise date on all three, though.

 

[cdrt]

Are you sure the Model 12 serial number isn't 1,500,xxx? The number you gave would have it made in 1916. The other number would be 1954-55.

 

[cdrt]

The Remington is a Model 11A mfg by Remington under a patent agreement with Browning. The Navy did have some of these that were used by base welfare and rec offices. I had one that I turned in to the firearms depot at Crane, Indiana back in 1972. I don't remember any special markings on it.

 

[ZBill]

cdrt

you are correct, the Winchester Model 12 is 1,501,XXX. I am getting a picture of the possible Navy marking on the Remington in a few minutes. Thanks, Bill

 

[ZBill]

Remington 11 Navy stamp?

here are a few pics. Any ideas? Thanks, Bill

 

[Dave McCracken]

The REP on your Remington is a standard proof mark. I've only seen that Anchor once before on a Krag.

The Winchester Model 1911 was known as "The Widow Maker" due to the risk when operating that barrel. Engraved models do have some collector value.

Both the Model 11 and the Model 12 are classics. While condition determines value, both of those are well worth keeping as shooters.

HTH....

 

[cdrt]

Bill, it's possible that the anchor is a Navy stamp. You might check with Remington and see what markings they used on military contract firearms. I'm sure they have a research section like Colt, etc. who could answer the question.

Or there might be another member out there with some knowledge of proof/factory markings.

Your Model 12 is probably their Heavy Duck Gun model which was produced from 1935-1963. They had the 3" chamber, 30 or 32" barrel, solid rubber recoil pad and the length of pull is a 1/2" shorter than a std Model 12. In 100% condition (I'm just guessing mind you) you're looking at $800 to $1,000 (probably) and you can add 25% if it has a solid rib. If it has a Simmons factory installed vent rib, it would be worth a lot more.

 

[Dionysusigma]

I used to have a 1911SL. Yours has a little bit of collector value, but never, ever try to shoot it. Thing is the proverbial screen door on a submarine. Heavy, ugly, complex, difficult to disassemble and reassemble, dangerous to the user...

It's the one in the middle with a PolyChoke.

 

[ZBill]

Thanks for the replies

What a great place for information, Bill

I will post some photos of the 1911SL engraving this evening. Bill

 

[ZBill]

Winchester 1911SL Engraving

here are a few pictures. I am not sure what factory shotgun work looked like from that era but this appears a little crude but quite interesting to me. Any ideas? Interesting biplane, the scrolling continues down the barrrel.