Winchester Model 21 “Up-Grade” 12 Ga 28” SxS Double Barrel Shotgun 1949 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,952.00

LSB#: LSB250608WJ030

Make: Winchester

Model: 21

Serial Number: 19185

Year of Manufacture: 1949 (C&R)

Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber

Action Type: Box-lock Double Barrel SxS Top Break Shotgun with Selective Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger

Markings: The water table is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. MODEL 21 / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO / NEW HAVEN, CONN.” The frame is marked with the serial number. The barrel flats show Winchester proofs. The left side of the left barrel is marked “WINCHESTER 12 GAUGE 2 ¾.CHAM.” The receiver has been engraved outside of factory with Gold inlays. 

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: Right Barrel – Modified (Fixed), Left Barrel – Full (Fixed).

Sights / Optics: There is a single metal bead front sight atop a matte serrated rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece walnut set. Per the factory letter, the shotgun shipped with a pistol grip stock and hard rubber buttplate. Winchester factory service records (Repair Order 40600, dated February 9, 1984) document that the shotgun was later fitted with a beavertail forend, refinished, and checkering refreshed. Additional Winchester service notes (Final Date: May 1, 1984) describe repairs to cracks in the stock and forend, dents repaired, re-checkering, refinish of barrels and metal, re-polishing bores, new locking bolt, and tightening of the action. The stock and forend currently show scattered handling marks and evidence of age and use since refinish. There are no major structural cracks noted, just remnants of the repaired cracks. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as Winchester-refinished factory wood.

Type of Finish: Winchester Factory Blue, refinished 1984 per factory records.

Finish Originality: Factory refinished by Winchester in 1984.

Bore Condition: The bores are bright with no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate at a 9/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains much of its 1984 Winchester factory refinish. The barrels and receiver show scattered faint marks. The metal shows some minor edge wear and finish thinning. The screw heads are sharp. The markings remain clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no play. The selective ejectors and safety function properly. We have not test fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun includes a Cody Firearms Museum factory letter documenting its original 1949 configuration and subsequent Winchester factory service records from 1984.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 21 12 Gauge is one of the most prestigious and well-regarded shotguns ever produced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Introduced in 1931 and hand-built in relatively low production numbers, the Model 21 represented Winchester’s commitment to crafting a premium-grade American double.

This example, serial number 19185, left the factory in 1949 with 28” barrels choked Modified and Full, a pistol grip stock, single selective trigger, ejectors, and automatic safety. The included Cody Firearms Museum letter confirms this configuration and further documents a Winchester factory refinish and overhaul in 1984. That work included repairs to stock and forend, new checkering, bore polishing, new locking bolt, and full reblue of the barrels and action — essentially returning the shotgun to top service condition at that time.

Today, it remains a very desirable and well-documented Model 21, equally appealing to the shooter seeking a classic American double for the field, or the collector looking for a factory-documented Winchester with a known service history. For those who appreciate Winchester craftsmanship and American shotgun tradition, this Model 21 is a fine opportunity. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.