Page 348 - 4094-BOOK3

LOT 3537
Master Ralph Alpen Signed,
Engraved, and Gold Inlaid
Winchester 20 Gauge Model 21
Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 9993, 20 gauge, 28 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/gold finish, highly figured
walnut stock. According to the included copy
of the final inspection report and factory
letter, this gun was ordered by Abercrombie &
Fitch Co. with the modified/full chokes, a beavertail forend, single trigger, and ejectors when it was completed on May
15, 1936. The gun was then subsequently masterfully upgraded to the current configuration by renowned American
Master Engraver Ralph Alpen. The gun has blued Winchester Proof Steel barrels featuring dual white bead sights on the
matted concave solid rib which is marked “CUSTOM BUILT BY WINCHESTER”, 1 3/4 inch wedges of floral scroll at either
breech, chokes marked “MOD”/”FULL”, and chambers measured 2 5/8 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted
to the blued boxlock action which displays highly attractive floral scroll engraving surrounding a gold inlaid woodcock on
the left, a gold inlaid pheasant cock on the right, a portrait of a setter with a shot grouse in his mouth on the underside, and a gold
inlaid quail on the triggerguard. The portrait on the underside is signed “Engr. R. O. Alpen”. The gun features a gold single selective trigger
and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun is fitted with a beautifully figured and fancy panel checkered
beavertail forend with engraved forend iron and a straight grip stock with checkered flats and a Pachmayr Old English recoil pad. Barrel and
stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .617/.620 inches; choke constriction .002/.013 inches; minimum wall
thickness .025/.027 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as masterfully upgraded/embellished, retaining 90% blue and inlaid gold finishes with minor handling evidence, slight plum
hue on the action, and sharp checkering on the exceptionally well-executed replacement stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. An exceptionally
well-done Winchester Model 21!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3538
Attractive “AN” Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 12 Slide Action
Shotgun - Serial no. 947467, 12 gauge, 30 inch vent rib bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1942
and subsequently beautifully upgraded and elaborately custom embellished to its current configuration. The
gun has a blued steel barrel featuring dual bead sights on the matted flat vent rib, wedges of scroll engraving
at the breech, a 2 3/4 inch chamber, and choke marked “FULL”. The barrel is fitted to the blued action which
displays extensive scroll engraving over a matted background which gold inlaid scroll borders surrounding a trio of semi-relief gold inlaid
game scenes. The scenes consist of a trio of quail on the left, a single quail on the upper left, a single woodcock on the upper right,
and a quartet of mallards on the right. The work is signed “AN” on the right side of the action. The gun is fitted with a beautifully
figured and multi-point checkered forend and pistol grip stock with black Winchester grip cap and a Winchester red rubber
recoil pad. Stock measurements: 2 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel;
13 15/16 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs. 1 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as professionally upgraded/custom embellished, retaining 99% blue and gold
finishes with minor handling evidence, a few tiny scattered freckles of spotting, and sharp checkering on the
stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
346