Lot 352: Extremely Rare Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Pigeon Grade

Manufactured in 1947. The sides of the receiver feature game scenes of two hunting dogs and a quail in a wooded field scene on the left side and two dogs and two snipes in a wooded field scene on the right side. Both scenes are bordered with floral scroll engraving with a punch dot background. There is a 1 1/2 inch wedge of floral scroll engraving on each side of the barrel at the breech and a small amount on the takedown ring and trigger guard. The left rear of the barrel is marked "MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA/--WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL--/--WINCHESTER--/--TRADEMARK--/MODEL 42-410-2 1/2 IN. CHAM" over "SKEET". The Winchester oval proof is marked on the upper left side of the barrel and receiver at the breech. Matching serial numbers and a pigeon engraved on the bottom of the magazine tube. The receiver is stamped "DELUXE" below the serial number. Single steel bead sight on the solid matte rib, 2 1/2 inch chamber and choked skeet. Jeweled bolt and follower, and mounted with extra fancy American walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with diamond pattern checkering, hard rubber grip cap and checkered Winchester buttplate. Stock measurements are: 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 13 1/2 inch length of pull. Includes a matching numbered extra 28 inch barrel with matching solid rib, matching engraving, and matching checkered forearm. The extra barrel has a 3 inch chamber and full choke.

Excellent overall. 98% original blue finish remains with only light handling marks. The wood is also excellent with sharp checkering, and just a few very small dings. Mechanically excellent. Extra barrel set is also excellent with 95% original blue finish, and some slide retraction marks on the magazine tube and action bar.