Page 295 - 86-Book2

The pistol grip stock is of the same exceptional quality with matching fleur-de-lis checkering and engraved and gold inlaid “GRAND/AMERICAN” grip cap, blank gold inscription oval, and checkered bare butt. Included is a second 26 inch barrel set in 28 gauge with matching serial number and engraving (“2” on the forend lug), 2 3/4 inch chambers with ejectors, chokes marked “WS-1”/”WS-2”, and matching beavertail forend. This is a rare example of a lightweight 28 gauge Model 21 as most of the 28 gauge 21s were built using 20 gauge barrel blanks bored to 28, making them heavy and unwieldy. It
is estimated that 7-10 guns were built with these lighter tapered barrels per an included
copy of a document from late Winchester employee and Model 21 expert Edward E. Ulrich.
Included is a Winchester leather bound takedown case with canvas cover, four snap caps
(two 28 gauge, two 20 gauge), cleaning tools, and an excerpt from an autobiographical
article in the Autumn 1999 issue of “Double Gun Journal”. Barrel measurements for the
20 gauge set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .551/.551 inches; choke
constriction .006/.011 inches. Barrel and stock measurements for the 28 gauge set (R/L):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech .623/.624 inches; choke constriction .007/.015
inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.032 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop
at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 2 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as custom embellished to current configuration, retaining
99% blue finish with some minor areas of gold loss on the underside of the action,
plum hue to the action and grip cap, minor handling evidence, and sharp checkering
on the stock and forend. The extra barrel set, case, and accessories are also all excellent.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
293