Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #85
  • Lot #358
Lot #357
Lot #359

Lot 358: Engraved and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 21 Shotgun

Elaborate Factory Game Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 21 Double Barrel Shotgun with Extensive Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 13, 2022

Lot 358: Engraved and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 21 Shotgun

Elaborate Factory Game Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 21 Double Barrel Shotgun with Extensive Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 13, 2022

Estimated Price: $10,000 - $15,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Elaborate Factory Game Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 21 Double Barrel Shotgun with Extensive Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 21
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 12
Barrel: 32 inch vent rib
Finish: blue/gold
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2246
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 250
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:

Blued Winchester Proof Steel barrels with dual bead sights on the engraved Grecian fret pattern, which functions as the matting on the vent rib, gold inlaid "WINCHESTER" on the rib, 2 3/4 inch wedges of scroll engraving at either breech with gold inlaid bands and scrolls, chokes marked "IMP. MOD."/"FULL", and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The blued rounded boxlock action displays full coverage floral scroll engraving surrounding four separate gold inlaid game scenes. The left shows a setter in a field scene, the underside has a pair of pheasants in a field, the triggerguard shows a running springer spaniel, and the right side has another setter on the hunt, all rendered in wonderfully detailed bas relief gold inlay. The gun features a single selective gold trigger and a non-automatic tang mounted safety switch. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered beavertail forend with ebony tip inlay and engraved fittings, including the rotary latch release, and straight grip Monte Carlo stock with a three letter monogram in the inscription shield ("LJY") and a replacement Pachmayr White-Line recoil pad. The included factory letter confirms the engraving and gold inlay, barrel length, vent rib matting pattern, non-automatic safety, chokes, single trigger, selective ejectors, rounded frame, and straight grip Monte Carlo stock when the gun was built for A. M. Holter Hardware Company of Helena, Montana on behalf of a Lee Yealy. Lee Yealy can be found in period newspapers along with scores from his trap shooting events, including his win in doubles and share of the singles win in the 1933 Montana trap season as well as a 1956 date article proclaiming him the oldest trap shooter in Montana. A very interesting annotation stating "Gun taken by A. A. Berzinis for photography - January 20, 1949" is present on the letter. Albin A. Berzinis is listed as helping in the production of the film "Winchester '73" in "Showman Shooter: The Life and Times of Herb Parsons" by H. Lynn and Jerry M. Parsons as well as being pictured and referred to as in charge of special guns for Winchester at the time this gun was built. It is very possible that Berzinis photographed this gun for an issue of popular "Winchester Life" magazine. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both measure .731 inches; choke constriction .019/.036 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.033 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs 4 oz.

Rating Definition:

Very fine, retaining 95% plus blue and 99% gold finishes, light handling evidence, and a slight rub on the triggerguard shoe. The wood is very good with scattered dings and scratches, hardened recoil pad, and crisp checkering. The rib is slightly loose at the base, otherwise mechanically excellent. This special order Model 21 is the most factory documented Winchester RIAC has had the honor of offering! For the serious collector it does not get much better than this!



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #1307: Game Scene Engraved Alfred Davis Boxlock Shotgun with Case

    Lot #1304: Factory Engraved Luigi Franchi 20 Gauge Sidelock Shotgun

    Lot #838: L. C. Smith/Hunter Arms Co. Grade 2 Double Barrel Shotgun

    Lot #387: German Game Scene Engraved Hammerless Drilling

    Lot #887: Belgian Browning Double Auto Shotgun with Extra Barrel

    Lot #833: Parker Brothers Under Lifter Grade 2 Hammer Shotgun