September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
John Kusmit began his work at Winchester in 1938 and trained under George Ulrich, eventually retiring in 1977. Kusmit's "J.K." signature is present on the left rear of the frame of this example, just above the slide release. According to numbers tabulated by Dave Riffle, this gun dates to 1951. The receiver is engraved in the factory 12-5 pattern with gold inlays. The left side features a pair of gold inlaid pointers with a flying grouse in a wooded landscape, flanked by punch dot shaded flowing foliate scroll and banded with a gold line border. The right side displays a quartet of gold inlaid flying ducks in a marsh with scroll on each side and a gold border. The serial numbers and "WP" proofs have also been inlaid in gold. Flourishes of light scroll also extend onto the barrel extension and breech, with an additional gold band at the muzzle. Characteristic pigeon motif present on the underside of the extension. Barrel has an added round post ventilated rib with wavy matting, mounted with double bead sights. Available beginning in 1937, 28 gauge chambering is by far the scarcest of the 4 available, and production ended in 1958. In addition to the barrel caliber designation, the proper "28" stamps are present on the cut-off and on the rear face of the receiver. Stocks are constructed of finely figured walnut and are carved in the factory 12-B fluer-de-lis style. Includes hang tag. CONDITION: Fine. Receiver retains nearly all of its blue with some scattered freckles, especially on the underside. Barrel has turned plum, and was likely reblued when the rib was added. Bolt jeweling shows evidence of cycling. Forend has come detached from the slide and has a few hairline cracks, some repaired. Stock shows only a few handling marks. Good bore. A handsome and very scarce Model 12.