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The gun itself was built with blued Winchester
Proof Steel chopperlump barrels featuring a
white bead front and steel mid bed sight on the
matted flat vent rib which is engraved “CUSTOM
BUILT BY WINCHESTER CELEBRATING” ahead of “U. S. BICENTENNIAL” inlaid in gold and
standard Winchester factory markings on the left tube. The barrels both show a single band
at either breech expanding into a wedge of floral scroll work extending 2 1/2 inches towards
the muzzles. The gun is marked for 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors and the chokes are
marked “MOD”/”FULL” just ahead of the jewelled flats. The barrels are fitted to a richly blued action
which displays deep oak leaf engraving on the fences, jewelled watertable and standing breech, tasteful sprays of floral scroll engraving,
and five highly detailed gold inlays. The gold inlays consist of four vignettes showing a mallard in flight and a pointer on the left side of the action,
a pointer and a quail in flight on the right, and the Great Seal of the United States on the underside with “1776-1976” and “BICENTENNIAL” above and
below respectively. The gun features a single selective gold trigger and a tang mounted automatic safety. The gun is mounted with a gorgeously figured and
fancy fleur-de-lis checkered beavertail forend with engraved fittings and an ebony tip inlay along with a pistol grip stock featuring an engraved blued grip cap, a leather wrapped recoil pad, and the all important gold inscription oval which is marked “PRESENTED/TO/PRESIDENT/Gerald R. Ford/July 4./1976”.
Included is a second matching numbered and engraved set of 26 inch barrels with 2 3/4 inch chambers and chokes marked “IMP. CYL.”/”MOD” along with its own stunning beavertail forend.
Also included is a fine wood and leather takedown case with canvas cover and lid marked “PRESIDENT/GERALD R. FORD/UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” which houses the gun and both barrel sets. The factory letter, which is included with the gun, confirms that the gun and extra barrel set left the factory in the current configuration including the engraving, gold work, and letterering in the above described case when inspection was completed on May 24, 1976.
Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .735/.730 inches; choke constriction .009/.013 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.035 inches. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .730/.730 inches; choke constriction .013/.038 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.033 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at
heel; 14 9/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and gold finishes with minor handling evidence. The wood is also excellent with only a few minor scratches, light wear at the recoil pad toe and heel, and sharp checkering. The case is very fine. The extra barrel set is excellent. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss this chance to own a piece of presidential history commemorating the 200th birthday of this great nation!
Estimate: 130,000 - 250,000
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