GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
CULMINATION OF A DREAM. RARE .410 WINCHESTER MODEL 21 "GRAND AMERICAN" WITH EXTRA BARRELS AND SPECIAL ENGRAVING, AS THE FINAL GUN OF A SET CONCEIVED BY ED ULRICH MANY YEARS AGO.WINCHESTERSXS M-21 GRAND AMERICANW33101410CASE, 3 BBL SETMODERN; C&RCal. 410. 3" Chambers. Well known Model 21 specialist and author, Ed Ulrich, conceived the idea of putting together a special set of "Grand American's". (I should probably continue in Ed's own words as written in his article "The Winchester Model 21 Grand American" as appeared in the Double Gun Journal Autumn 1999) "This set is featured in Ned Schwing's book WINCHESTER'S FINEST, THE MODEL 21, I decided back in the mid seventies to order a "Grand American". A lot of thought went into this project as I wanted something very special and outstanding compared to anything that had been done previously by Winchester." He goes on to list Winchester employees, including Nick Kusmit, that had an influence on his final decision. "With the input I received from these men I decided to build a three gauge set of "Grand Americans" in twelve gauge, sixteen gauge, and twenty gauge, with consecutive serial numbers. This would be the first such set ever built. I also planned to add a .410 gauge and a 28 gauge "Grand American" at a later date which would make it a five gauge set." He goes on to describe making engraving changes from the usual, and selecting wood, etc. He further states that Nick Kusmit did the engraving, and John Dirkin did the "B" carving. He also states "When I took delivery I was told that it was the highest priced gun ever sold in the history of Winchester." With regard to this particular gun, in a letter dated May 8, 2008, Ed says "In regard to Winchester Model 21's, specifically SNs W33100 and W33101, which were built in the 1980's, both Model 21's were originally conceived to be part of a Model 21 - 5 gauge set, consisting of 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 gauges. However, at the time that I had the 12, 16, and 20 gauges made, Winchester could not build the 28 - 410 gauge for me. The reason being, that I had insisted on consecutive serial numbers to follow the 12, 16, and 20 numbers. Consequently the project was put on hold. ... A couple of years later, Winchester was able to provide me with consecutive serial numbers 33100 and 33101, but not in sequence with the 3 - gauge set. So, I continued the project with help from both Winchester and Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company. I was also fortunate enough to have Nick Kusmit, Winchester master engraver, retired, do the same pattern, as was on the original M21 - 3 gauge set. The woodwork was done by John Dirkin, Winchester master wood carver, retired." This gun, typical of all "Grand Americans" has two sets of bbls. 26" Bbls are marked "Skeet" and "IC" and 27" bbls marked "Mod" and "full", each with raised, ventilated ribs marked "CUSTOM BUILT BY WINCHESTER". There are 3" triangles of scroll at breech ends. Engine turned bbl flats are stamped with Winchester proofs, and are marked with SNs, gauge, and chambers in milled out lightening cuts. Bottoms of bbls are stamped "WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL" along with choke markings, as well as, "CT. SHOTGUN MFG." "NEW BRITAIN, CT. USA". Each bbl set has its own beavertail ejector forend with either "1" or "2" stamped on front interior of irons and on loops. Blued flat side Model 21 action has water table stamped with Winchester proof and considerable milling for lightening. Action features usual automatic safety and single selective gold-plated trigger. Action is engraved in Model 21 "Grand American" style with near full coverage varying sized scroll with fences carved in acorns and oak leaves. Specially selected gold inlays picture a setter looking back over its shoulder as it crosses a fence line on left side of action, and a pointing pointer on right. Trigger plate has unusual, and unique to this set, scene of bald eagle with captured salmon in its talons rising from a lake with mountains in background. Trigger guard bow has gold inlaid portrait of a spaniel. Superb feather/ flame crotch figured American walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-1/4" over checkered wood butt, and is carved in 21-B style with many fleur-di-lis and ribbons through pattern. Matching braced beavertail forends with inset ebony tips and engine turned internals, are gold inlaid on bottoms of irons "CUSTOM MADE" "FOR" "E. E. ULRICH". 26" BBL set "1": Bore diameter at muzzles: left -.404, right - .425. Drop at heel: 2-7/16", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Cast: neutral. Weight: 6 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". 27" BBL set "2": Weight: 7 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". Brown leather case with leather corners is lined in burgundy felt, and has paper Winchester 21 label in lid. Case contains a pair of snap caps. PROVENANCE: DGJ with article, letter from Ed Ulrich, various other paperwork including some concerning Model 21's and/or Ed Ulrich. Copy of Final inspection report for this SN. CONDITION: Excellent, close to new, appears unfired, with only a few handling and assembly marks in all fine factory finishes, most notably some marks on buttstock which have been toned down. Mechanically crisp. Case leather has a considerable number of minor marks and a rather large scuff on top. Straps and handle are good. Interior is very fine, lightly soiled and rubbed. Some blocks are loose. Label has a rub-through. 52154-2 MGM318 (22,500-45,000)