Custom Winchester 21 12 GA 26″ 28” Engraved SxS Shotgun, 1947 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,000.00
LSB#: 240124DH028
Make: Winchester
Model: 21, Customized
Serial Number: 16916
Year of Manufacture: circa 1947 (model 21s were not assembled and shipped in sequential order, this receiver was most likely made in 1947 but we do not know when it was assembled or shipped).
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Double Barrel SxS Top Break Shotgun with SST & Ejectors
Barrel Length: 26”. There are a pair of alternate barrels measuring 28” and are not serial-matching.
Choke: In the 26” barrel, the left barrel is marked “MOD”. The right barrel is marked Winchester Skeet 2. In the 28” barrel, the left barrel is marked “FULL”. The right barrel is marked “MOD”.
Sights / Optics: On the 26” barrel, the front sight is a rear-facing red bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. There is a smaller mid-bead fixed to the rib. On the 28” barrel, the front sight is a flattened bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. There is a smaller mid-bead fixed to the rib. Both ribs are serrated to help reduce glare.
Weight: (with 26” barrels installed) 7 lbs, 13.5 oz.
(with 28” barrels installed) 8 lbs, 0.1 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood featuring a beavertail forend, a semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb and an aftermarket adjustable buttplate. The wood shows only a few light nicks, dings, scratches and some minor handling and storage marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the adjustable buttplate in its current setting. Please note that the adhesive securing the Kick-Eez buttpad has failed. The buttpad is included but not attached. The drop at the comb is 1 /12”. The drop at the heel is 2 3/8”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Bright and Gold
Finish Originality: Refinished as part of the customization.
Bore Condition: The 26” barrel bores are mostly bright. There are streaks of stubborn fouling but no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 9 or 10 out of 10. The 28” barrel bores are mostly bright. There are streaks of stubborn fouling and there is a mild ripple in the right bore that does not correspond to any deformation in the exterior of the barrel. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate an 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows only light nicks, scratches and handling marks, most notably on the 28” barrel. The receiver has been beautifully engraved as part of the customization but we were unable to locate an engraver mark or signature. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine Plus condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup is tight with no play to the receiver. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with a suitcase-style carrying case, the Kick-Eez buttpad as mentioned above, the alternate non-matching 28” barrels and a Cody Firearms letter detailing the original factory configuration and inspection date. Please note, based on the markings of the serial-matching 26” barrels, there may be an error on the letter regarding the WS1 vs WS2 choke on the right barrel.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 21 was their deluxe side-by-side shotgun, made to compete with the likes of Parker and A.H. Fox in the American shotgun market. The shotgun’s initial production run from 1930 through 1957 yielded approximately 16,000 guns. The standard grade came with select grade walnut stocks and Skeet, Trap, Tournament and Duck grades were also available.
This shotgun started its life as a standard grade shotgun made circa 1947 based on the Cody letter. It has a manual safety, ejectors, single select trigger, and a checkered stock with a beavertail forend. Chambered for 12 gauge, it should make for a versatile field gun, especially for birds and fowl. That said, the Winchester Model 21 shotguns are very collectible, sought after for both their variety of configurations and their quality as a shooter. This shotgun has been beautifully engraved and customized. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
