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LOT 1477
Highly Desirable Griffin & Howe Upgraded Engraved Winchester 20 Gauge Model 21 Skeet Grade Double Barrel Shotgun with Case and Factory Letter - Serial no. 15087, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, deluxe checkered walnut straight grip stock stock. According to the included factory letter, this gun left the factory as a Skeet Grade in 20 gauge with 28 inch barrels, Skeet 1/Skeet2 chokes, single trigger, selective ejectors, non-automatic
safety, and pistol grip stock with checkered butt when it was inspected on December 4th, 1947, the gun was then
subsequently embellished by the illustrious New York firm of Griffin & Howe who have built some of the most storied sporting arms of the 20th century. With
blued Winchester Proof Steel marked barrels featuring white bead front and steel mid bead sights on the matted concave solid rib, standard barrel markings with
the addition of “REBUILT BY GRIFFIN & HOWE INC.” and “NEW YORK, NY” handcut on the right and left barrel respectively, bands of leafy engraving on either breech, chokes marked WS-2/WS-1, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a blued boxlock action which displays beautiful flowing floral scroll and geometric motifs which
spills onto the toplever and around the fences. The floral scroll surrounds panels on the left and right side inside which a busting clay pigeon is engraved, and a bald eagle holding a patriotic shield is on the underside. The gun features a single selective trigger with gold inlaid “R” and “L” and tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. The gun is mounted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved fittings and rotary latch release and a straight grip stock with blank initial escutcheon on the underside and a partially leather covered red rubber recoil pad with spacer. Included is a leather covered takedown case with “L.J.C.” embossed on the lid containing three snap caps. Includes a document from the Cody Museum verifying that it was started on December 1, 1947, as a Skeet grade and finished on December 4, 1947, for factory stock. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .620/.622 inches; choke constriction .001/.001 minimum wall thickness .025/.021 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 13 7/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 6 oz. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, overall as engraved/upgraded to current specifications by world renowned Griffin & Howe, retaining 99% plus blue finish with limited handling marks and crisp engraving. Wood is very fine with some light handling marks concentrated on the forend which is slightly loose, some wear on the escutcheon, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Case
is very fine.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
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