GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
FINE BILL MAINS ENGRAVED WITH GOLD WINCHESTER MODEL 21 SKEET GRADE DOUBLE-BARREL SHOTGUN. WINCHESTER M-21 11027 20GA MODERN; C&R Cal. 20ga. Beautiful upgraded skeet grade 21 that has 26" bbls with tapered, matted, concave solid rib, Bradley red bead front and silver middle bead, Choked WS1/WS2. Receiver has ejectors and Winchester single selective trigger. Mounted with nicely figured American walnut with kidney-shape checkered beavertail forearm and paneled pistol grip buttstock with checkered wood butt. Grip cap is an empty oval gold plate. Receiver has full coverage, semi-relief oak leaf & acorn pattern engraving with an unusual border. Left side of the receiver is engraved with an elliptical vignette of two raised gold flying woodcock set in a woodland scene and the right side also inlaid with two raised gold woodcock in a very detailed marsh scene. Both vignettes are surrounded by flat gold wire inlay with raised gold leaves. Trigger plate is inlaid with an elliptical vignette of a raised gold pointer on point in a field scene also surrounded by flat gold wire with oak leaves and acorns. Trigger bow is engraved with the oval vignette of a raised gold Ruffed Grouse in a woodland scene, also surrounded by flat gold wire and oak leaves and acorns. Trigger plate is inlaid "SKEET" in flat gold and just forward of the trigger guard is engraved in tiny letters the engraver's name, "MAINS". Matching engraving extends to the opening lever and onto the top tang with "SAFE" in gold. Trigger guard tang is engraved to match. Matching oak leaf & acorn engraving extends about 3-3/8" over chamber area of the bbls and onto the forend iron. Bill Mains was a very prolific engraver employed for many years by Colt until he became an independent engraver. Consignor was personally acquainted with Mr. Mains and very likely commissioned this work. Drop at the heel: 2-7/16". Drop at the comb: 1-1/2". LOP: 14". CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains virtually all of its crisp custom finish to both metal and wood with only a couple of tiny mars in the finish and some darkening toward the rear end of the forearm. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bores. 51758-2 JRL (8,000-12,000)