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LOT 577
Engraved and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 21 Grand American Style 28 Gauge/.410 Bore Double Barrel Skeet Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case - Serial no. W32444, 28 gauge, 26 inch vent rib bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Blued Winchester Proof Steel marked barrels with a single red bead sight on the matted vent rib which is marked “CUSTOM BUILT BY WINCHESTER”, standard barrel markings, 3 inch wedges of floral scroll engraving at either breech, chokes marked “WS-1”/”WS-2”, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The blued boxlock action displays beautiful modified Grand American pattern engraving consisting of near full coverage floral scrollwork surrounding four gold inlaid game scenes. The left side shows a setter in a field scene, the right has a pointer in a field scene, the underside shows a pair of flushing pheasant in a field scene, and a bust of a pointer on the trigger guard all rendered in highly detailed gold inlay. The gun features a gold plated single selective trigger and tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Exceptionally figured, fancy 21-B pattern fleur-de-lis checkered beavertail forend with engraved fittings, rotary latch release, and ebony tip inlay and pistol grip stock with matching fleur-de-lis checkering, engraved and gold inlaid “GRAND/AMERICAN” grip cap, blank gold inscription oval, and checkered bare butt. Included is a second matching set of 26 inch .410 bore barrels with matching engraving and its own beavertail forend and featuring 3 inch chambers with ejectors and chokes marked “WS-1”/”WS-2”. Also included is a wood and leather takedown case with canvas cover that houses the entire set along with a pair of nickel snap caps for each set, nickel oiler, and cleaning tools as well as a Model 21 hang tag, two booklets, and some biographical information on long time Winchester employee Edward E. Ulrich who commissioned the gun. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .549/.549 inches; choke constriction .005/.004 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.031 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 1 oz. CONDITION: Very fine overall as custom embellished, retaining 99% blue and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, some thinning to the sides of the rib, some very minor spotting on the barrels, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The extra barrel set is also very fine. The case and accessories are excellent. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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