April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Starting life as a skeet gun, with ventilated rib, beavertail forend, and two sets of barrels, this gun was later enhanced by the addition of fine game scene engraving and scroll by noted American engraver, Arnold Griebel. Although a signature or initials cannot be found, consignors notes state that Griebel was the engraver and an inspection of the work reveals his classic Germanic style and almost signature shaded scroll work with secondary acanthus highlights within the whorls. This gun has 26" barrels fitted with ventilated rib. Winchester, gauge, and chamber information are on the side of left barrel. All correct markings are on barrel flats and bottoms of barrels. There are 1-1/2" pyramids of scroll engraving at breech ends, and geometric bands around muzzles. Small frame Model 21 action has french grey finish, and features non-automatic safety, and single selective trigger. Action has been engraved with 80% coverage panels of well executed shaded scroll as background to nicely rendered game scenes; on left side, a fox standing on edge of marsh, contemplating a pair of rising ducks. One is rendered in full relief yellow gold. Right side shows a trio of flushing pheasant on a sparsely wooded hillside. Central bird is also in full relief gold. Scene on bottom of action depicts an eagle attempting to waylay one of a pair of flying ducks in mountainous background. (There are no gold inlays in this scene. One of the consignors notes states that someone said "owner would not have more inlays to save money.") It appears that original stocks have been retained. The pistol grip buttstock is of XXX crotch figured American walnut, and measures 14 - 1/8" over checkered wood butt. Beavertail forend, which is not braced, matches very well. Gun comes with Abercrombie & Fitch marked VC leather case with stitched leather corners, lined in burgundy cloth, which contains a pair of snap caps. CONDITION: Excellent, as custom finished, with evidence of light field use. Barrels retain over 95% fine custom blue. Action retains nearly all of its french grey finish, brightened a bit from hand wear on fences and around bottom. Stocks appear to have some oil added over their original varnish finish, with some light subsequent marks. Bores are excellent. Mechanically fine. Case is excellent. An attractive Model 21. MGM149.
Accessories
Case, accessories
Paperwork
Yes. factory letter, consignors notes, 1973 invoice, some photos