You're comparing apples and oranges. The model 12E WAS the top of the line side-by-side shotgun. In 1960 the model 12 listed at $178USD, the model 13(double rifle) at $221USD, and the model 14(over/under) at $288USD. So while the O/U was the most expensive, it really wasn't very pricey and two of the catalogues in my possession, dated 1952, and 1960, show the model 14 as being a stock item, not special-order.