As most gun guys know, the first model 12 Winchesters were known as Model 1912's. If in original condition you can tell the older 1912 by just looking at it. They had a more elongated grip area , and had the small corn cob forend. Also the barrel was made of nickel steel, this was later made of Win Prof steel. Don't ask me the difference in the steel, but I do know that the bluing stayed on the newer steel much better.
