Angelo Bee Engraved Pigeon Up-Grade Winchester Model 42 Two Barrel Set, C&R
SOLD FOR: $7580.55
LSB#: 220513DP001
Make: Winchester
Model: 42, Pigeon Up-Grade
Serial Number: 106524
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Gauge: Bore 410, 3” Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action with 2/3 Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of each barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- MODEL 42 – 410 – 3 IN. CHAM.- / -TRADE MARK- MADE IN U.S.A. – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-” and at the rear to the left of each rib with an ovalled “WP” proof. One is marked “CYL.” and the other “FULL”. The bottom of each barrel extension is marked with “106524” and an engraved Pigeon. The top-front of the receiver has an ovalled “WP” proof and the bottom-front is marked “106524”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “IG”. The receiver has been engraved by Angelo Bee with 42-5 pattern hunting dog and fowl scenes with borders and scroll motifs continued on the trigger guard and barrel extensions.
Barrel Length: Both barrels are 26″ with solid ribs.
Choke: The barrels are Cylinder Bore and Full, as marked.
Sights / Optics: Each barrel set has a silver bead at the front of its solid ribs.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece fine checkered select walnut with extended slide handle, straight comb, capped pistol grip and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 3/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage with sharp checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished at the time of engraving.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun set retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun set is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in a green canvas and brown leather hard-sided luggage case with Winchester label on the inside of the label, combination latch and English straps, English fit for the stocked receiver, barrel sets and with two accessory compartments. The case has minor storage wear.
Our Assessment: This shotgun started as a vintage post-war Winchester Model 42 .410 bore pump action shotgun from 1951. The Model 42 was the first pump shotgun specifically designed for the .410 chambering and resembles its larger cousin the Model 12. This example has become something rather more since 1951. Now with two serial-matched 26″ barrel sets, each with solid ribs, one Cylinder Bore and one choked Full, this set is sporting gorgeous select walnut stocks with Deluxe Grade-style carving and checkering and Pigeon Grade 42-5 patter engraving by Angelo Bee.
The gun comes from the personal collection of David Porter, the stockmaker and checker who crafted the gorgeous stocks on this set, as well as many others for Mr. Bee over the years. The markings appear almost as-original, not a surprise given the skill of Angelo Bee. A Master Engraver at Browning, Angelo would eventually move to America to ply his trade after he had honed his skills to become one of the finest engravers in the nation. This skill shows in his breathtaking mixture of traditional scroll engraving accents on the barrel, relief scroll engraving on the receiver surrounding highly detailed and lifelike hunting scenes, and the preservation or accurate re-stamping of the markings. It comes with a fine case which is perfect for storage and display, fitting this custom set beautifully.
This magnificent shotgun is sure to find a spot in a Winchester collection or the collection of an Angelo Bee fan. Please see our photos and good luck!