Winchester Model 21 12 GA 28″ SxS Shotgun Case & Letter, 1949 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,825.00

LSB#: 240124DH029

Make: Winchester

Model: 21

Serial Number: 23797

Year of Manufacture: circa 1949 (model 21s were not assembled and shipped in sequential order, this receiver was most likely made in 1949 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: 28”

Choke: The left barrel is marked Modified, Fixed. The right barrel is marked Improved Cylinder, Fixed.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rear-facing white bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. There is a smaller white mid-bead fixed to the rib. The top of the rib is serrated to help reduce glare.

Weight: 7 lbs, 7.9 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a beavertail forend, a semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb and a Winchester buttplate. The wood shows only a few light nicks, scratches, compressions and minor handling and storage marks. The checkeringsharp. There is a small repaired chip at the bottom left of the wrist. There is a tiny chip at the bottom right of the wrist.There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The drop at the comb is 1 1/2”. The drop at the heel is 2 1/2”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Fine Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright. There is light erosion in both bores. 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 finish. The balance of the finish shows just some light contact wear most notably at some leading edges. There are scattered light nicks, scratches and handling marks throughout. The pins are unmarred and the screws are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.

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 Browning suitcase-style case, two (2) CSMC 12 GA breech plugs and a Cody Firearms Records letter confirming this shotgun’s original factory configuration and date of inspection.

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 is a standard grade shotgun made circa 1949 based on the Cody letter. It has an automatic 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. That said, the Winchester Model 21 shotguns are very collectible, sought after for both their variety of configurations and their quality as a shooter. We expect the collectors and shooters to both take quite an interest in this gun. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!

-J. Ren

Winchester Model 21 12 GA 28" SxS Shotgun Case & Letter, 1949 C&R
Winchester Model 21 12 GA 28″ SxS Shotgun Case & Letter, 1949 C&R