Winchester Model 21, Blue 26″ SST Ejector 20 Gauge SxS Side By Side Double Barrel Shotgun Ca 1948 C&R

SOLD FOR: $6,000.00
LSB#: 180705MT10

Make: Winchester

Model: 21

Serial Number: 21169

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1948, Receivers were produced in batches and manufacture year is difficult to pin down exactly.

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells

Action Type: Break-Open Boxlock Side by Side Shotgun

Markings: The side of the left barrel is marked “WINCHESTER – 20 GAUGE / 2 ¾ CHAM.” The left barrel flat is marked “21169” and both barrel flats have Winchester proof marks. The bottom of the left barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / IMP.CYL.” and the bottom of the right barrel is marked “IMP.CYL. / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The inside of the forearm is stamped “21169” in both the wood and metal hardware. The left water table is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. MODEL 21 / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO / NEW HAVEN, CONN.” and the right water table has the “WP” proof mark. The top tang is marked “21169”.

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Both Improved Cylinder, Bot Fixed

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead at the front of the solid, serrated, slightly concave rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester Repeating Arms Co. buttplate. The forend has a few scattered light marks and some white residue/light scuffing at the front edge. The buttstock has scattered light compressions, scuffs, and drag lines, more on the right than the left, and thinning finish at sharper edges such as the bottom of the grip and the edges of the flats at the sides of the receiver. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined with light handling wear. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel and toe with well defined checkering and lettering, in about Fine condition. The drop at comb is 1 1/2″, drop at heel is 2 1/2″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: We believe the finish to be original with only the “WINCHESTER” marking on the left barrel drawing suspicion. The other markings are clear, the proofs are crisp with raised edges and there are no other indications that this shotgun has been refinished.

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have a few scattered light marks, light wear on the bottoms from the forend, a few small areas of light freckling and a small spot on the top of the left chamber which appears to be scrubbed out light surface erosion. The receiver has handling wear through the finish on the bottom, wear on the outside of each of the fences, a small patch of light frosting on each side at the top and a few scattered light marks. The lever and safety have light handling wear. The trigger guard has a couple of small spots of light surface erosion on the right edge and the bottom tang has handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear, though the left barrel marking is shallow in the “WINCHESTER” lettering. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The barrels lock up with no play to the frame. 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: None

Our Assessment: The Model 21 is considered by many to be the best shotgun Winchester ever made. This example is a 20 gauge with 26″ barrels choked Improved Cylinder. It looks to have been in the field over the years, but still locks up like a steel vault. It is in about Very Good condition with 87% of its finish, bright bores and strong mechanics. While this would be a great upland bird or skeet gun, these shotguns have also become quite collectible over the years, and will likely interest Winchester collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible shotgun can be transferred in California.