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LOT 1552
Outstanding Master Angelo Bee Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Winchester 20 Gauge Model 21 Double Barrel Shotgun with an Incredible 18 Gold Inlays - Serial no. 9674, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/gold finish, deluxe walnut stock. The gun was originally manufactured circa 1939 and subsequently elaborately custom embellished/upgraded by Master Engraver Angelo Bee whom has transformed this gun into a
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true piece of art. Built with blued Winchester Proof Steel barrels which feature dual bead sights (rear absent) on the matted concave solid rib, standard markings, chokes marked modified/full, and chambers measured 2 5/8 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels are embellished with a lovely single gold inlaid band and a 1 inch wedge of scroll at either muzzle and beautifully executed 3 inch wedges of scroll work with a pair of gold inlaid quail and a gold band at either breech. The barrels are fitted to a gorgeous blued action which displays extensive floral scroll engraving over a matted background as well as four highly detailed individual scenes. The game scenes consist of a pair of quail feeding and a pair in flight on either side, a covey of five quail flushing on the underside, and a single quail in flight on the triggerguard, all of which are cut in outstanding semi-relief gold. That is a total of eighteen gold inlaid animals on the action and barrels, a genuinely outstanding feat of engraving that truly shows off the incredible level of skill that Angelo Bee was capable of performing and is a perfect example to drive home the phrase “Not All Art is Framed”. The engraving is signed by Master Engraver Angelo Bee “ABEE” followed by his trademark bumble bee on the left side of the action below the feeding quail. The gun features a single selective gold trigger and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold “SAFE” marking. The gun is mounted with a gorgeous highly figured and multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved fittings and a straight grip stock with a checkered bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .616/.616 inches; choke constriction .008/.014 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.036 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 11 oz. CONDITION: Outstanding as exquisitely embellished by Master Engraver Angelo Bee, retaining 99% blue and gold finishes with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. A great chance to own a true masterpiece level work by one of the 20th centuries most prolific engravers! Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500