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Fine Embellished Winchester Shotguns Engraved by Colt Factory Master Engravers
LOT 3472
Spectacular Denise Thirion Signed, Master Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 42 Slide Action Shotgun with Case and Two Extra Barrels - Serial no. 143404, 410 gauge, 26 inch vent rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1957 and later elaborately master embellished. Blued barrels with single bead sight on the matted Simmons vent rib, standard Winchester markings, wedges of scroll engraving on either side of the muzzle, gold band between the wedges of scroll engraving near the breech and the scroll on the takedown collar. The gun has a 3 inch chamber with the choke marked “FULL”. The coin finished action displays masterful deep cut scroll engraving surrounding a pointer on the left flushing a pair of pheasants and a setter flushing a trio of quail on the right. The work is signed “D.THIRION” for Master Engraved Denise Thirion, who was a student (and ex-wife) of Angelo Bee. Per a letter included with the gun, this engraving was done in 1982 and is Thirion’s first work with gold inlay. Nicely figured 14-groove forend and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered buttplate. Included with the lot are two extra barrel sets which have been numbered to match and with matching adornment, one measures 26 inches with a 3 inch chamber and “MOD” choke and the other measures 28 inches with
a 3 inch chamber and “FULL” choke. The extra barrel sets and gun are all housed in an aluminum hard case. Stock measurements: 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 1 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as masterfully embellished by Denise Thirion, retaining 99% blue and gold finishes with minor handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with a few minor marks. The extra barrels are very fine. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 3473
Howard Dove Signed Silver and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 12 Slide Action 20 Gauge Shotgun - Serial no. 1933726, 28 gauge, 26 inch vent rib bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1962. Single orange bead on the serrated ventilated rib, barrel marked for 2 3/4 inch chamber and improved cylinder choke. Receiver features silver inlaid
borders with the left right side having a silver
inlaid Connecticut State Seal with the left side having a silver inlaid trap
and skeet field and shooter at the seven o’clock position and a single gold inlaid clay pigeon above. The trigger guard features gold inlaid serifed initials “MAW”. The work is signed “HOWARD DOVE COLT ENGR.” above the loading port. Fitted to a wonderfully figured miltipoint checkered pistol grip stock with floral hard rubber grip cap and Old English recoil pad. Stock measurements: drop at the comb 1 3/8 inches; drop at the heel 2 1/4 inches; length of pull 14 1/16. CONDITION: Very fine as embellished by Master Engraver Howard Dove. Retaining 95% refinished blue finish with handling marks, some pitting at the rear of the receiver, some spotting on the barrel, and patina on the silver inlays. Wood is fine with half of the varnish, recut checkering, and scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. An interesting piece for any shotgun shooter! Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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