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LOT 1484
Outstanding Bill Mains Signed, Master Panel
Game Scene Engraved, and Relief Gold Inlaid
Winchester Model 21 “Grand Royal” Double Barrel
Shotgun - Serial no. 14976, 12 gauge, 30 inch vent rib
bbl., blue/gold finish,
walnut stock. Originally
manufactured between 1945
and 1959, and subsequently
masterfully upgraded to the
“Grand Royal” Configuration
by famed American Master Engraver Bill Mains. The gun has blued Winchester Proof Steel barrels
featuring a white front and steel mid-bead sights on the matted flat vent rib, standard barrel
marking, jeweled flats, chokes marked “FULL”/”MOD”, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with ejectors.
The barrels display gold inlaid fleur-de-lis designs at the muzzles, highly attractive wedges of
gold inlaid scroll at either breech backed by a pair of gold bands at the rear and a wedge of fine
scrollwork extending towards the muzzle. The barrels are fitted to the blue finished action which
displays extensive, near full coverage scroll engraving which surrounds four relief engraved game scenes, all of which is encompassed by gold inlaid line borders with scroll
flourishes. The game scenes consist of a pointer flushing a pair of grouse on the left, a pair of perched pigeons on the underside, a pointer flushing a pair
of quail on the right, and a solitary woodcock on the trigger guard bow. Bill Mains signed his work at the
bottom of the panel on the under side simply “MAINS”. The gun features a single selective trigger and a
tang mounted manual safety with a gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun is fitted with a stunning feather
crotch figured and fleur-de-lis checkered beavertail forend with engraved and gold inlaid iron and a pistol
grip stock with checkered flats, diamond cross section wrist, gold three letter monogram on the engraved
blue grip cap, Monte Carlo comb, and a leather covered recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech .734/.729 inches; choke constriction .031/.009 inches; minimum wall thickness
.021/.027 inches; 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 1 13/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as upgraded/embellished by Master Engraver Bill Mains, retaining 99% blue and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, slight discoloration in areas of the gold, and sharp
checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
LOT 1485
Factory 21-1 Pattern Engraved Winchester Model 21 Double
Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. W32849, 12 gauge, 30 inch vent rib bbl.,
blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured after 1960 during the custom
shop era. Built with blued Winchester Proof Steel barrels featuring a
white bead front and red mid-bead sights on the matted vent rib which
is marked “CUSTOM BUILT BY WINCHESTER”, a single band of engraving at the breech,
chokes marked “MOD”/”FULL”, and chambers marked 3 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the
blued action which displays Winchester’s 21-1 engraving pattern consisting of attractive scrollwork on all sides
as well as on the toplever and trigger guard which is engraved with the initials “H/J/H”. The gun features a single
selective gold trigger and a tang mounted automatic safety with a gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun is
fitted with a wonderfully feather crotch figured and multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved
iron and an ebony tip inlay as well as a pistol grip stock with blued steel grip cap and checkered Winchester
buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .732/.731 inches;
choke constriction .015/.035 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.033 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 9/16
inch drop at heel; 14 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 14 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 99% factory quality refinished blue with minor handling evidence,
slight areas of minor crazing on the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically
excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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