This highly attractive Model 21 Grand American was custom built for Winchester sales representative Jim Olexa to be used in his cross country travels promoting the Winchester brand. From the lightly engraved muzzles to the highly attractive buttstock selected by Olexa, it was designed to represent not only the top of the line for Winchester shotguns, but an exhibition in pure craftsmanship. Olexa was so proud of this gun he referred to it as the "$50,000 Winchester" as he displayed it across the country. The included factory letters (one of which is addressed to Mr. Olexa) confirm the serial number, gauge, special features, and an August 20, 1970 date of completed inspection. Dual white bead sights with standard markings on the left barrel, raised vent rib marked "CUSTOM BUILT BY WINCHESTER FOR JIM OLEXA" with the name rendered in contrasting gold inlay, wedges of fine floral scroll engraving on the chambers, 2 3/4 inch chambers, ejectors, and improved cylinder/modified chokes. The receiver is engraved with the factory 21-6 pattern featuring brilliant gold inlaid dog and bird scenes with a pointer on the right, setter on the left, and a pair of pheasants on the underside. The fences are relief carved in a fine oak leaf motif. The tangs and trigger guard are also finely engraved with the initials "J/G/O" in fine gold inlay on the guard. Single gold washed trigger with selector and tang mounted manual safety. Fitted with a skeet style beavertail forearm and high comb Monte Carlo buttstock with fancy fleur de lis carved factory 21-B checkering, ebony forend insert, engraved blue steel grip cap with gold inlaid "GRAND AMERICAN" marking, gold initial oval inscribed "J/G/O", and a vented Winchester recoil pad. The second barrel set is numbered to the gun with matching engraving and markings, 3 inch chamber, ejectors, modified/full chokes, and matching independent forearm. With a leather bound Winchester takedown case marked "J.G.O" in gold lettering, two gold plated snap caps, gold oil bottle, two piece wood cleaning rod, cleaning rod heads, and a canvas case cover also marked "J.G.O." Stock measurements are: drop at comb 1 1/4 inches; drop at heel 2 1/4 inches; length of pull 14 1/4 inches; weight 7 lbs. 15 oz.

Excellent. 99% original blue finish remains with some very light handling marks and some visible edge wear on the grip cap. The wood is also excellent with attractive grain and figure, crisp checkering, very fine carved accents, and a few small dings visible on the buttstock. Mechanically excellent. The extra barrel set and forearm are excellent with some light handling marks. The case is very good with some light dings on the exterior and some wear on the interior lining. The case cover is good with some tears around the zipper and general storage wear. An excellent example of a top of the line Winchester Model 21 double barrel shotgun.