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LOT 379
Attractive Alvin A. White Signed, Master Engraved,
and Gold Inlaid Winchester 20 Gauge Model 21
Double Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 4431, 20 gauge,
26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/gold finish, fancy walnut stock. Blued Winchester Proof Steel
chopper lump barrels with single steel bead sight on the matted, concave solid rib, standard Winchester markings, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic
ejectors, and chokes marked “IMP. CYL.”/”MOD.” ahead of the flats. The barrels display beautifully executed wedges of floral scroll engraving extending 4 1/8
inches from either breech towards the muzzle. The blued action features masterfully executed gold inlaid game scenes on both sides with a pair pheasants in
tall grass on the left and a single pheasant in flight on the right. The underside is gold inlaid with an eagle and shield motif beneath seven gold stars, twelve
gold stars on the triggerguard, and 23 stars across the fences and rear of the rib. All of this gold work is surrounded by beautiful floral scroll in the same style as
that on the barrels covering nearly all of the action. Single selective trigger, gold inlaid lower tang serial number, and automatic tang mounted safety with gold
inlaid “SAFE”. The water table is inset with a small gold rectangle bearing “A A WHITE/ENG.” for renowned Master Engraver Alvin A. White. Highly figured, fancy fluer-
de-lis checkered walnut beavertail forend with engraved fittings and a rotary latch release and a round knob pistol grip stock with gold inscription oval marked “LWF”
(“W” is largest) and leather wrapped recoil pad. Includes two snap caps. Another Alvin White Winchester Model 21 with the same engraving theme is available in the next lot. Stock and barrel measurements (R/L): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech .617/.618 inches; choke constriction .004/.004 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.021 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 13 3/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 6 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as masterfully upgraded to current configuration by Master Engraver Alvin A. White, retaining 85% blue and 99% gold finishes. The majority of the blue loss concentrated on the high edges. Sharp engraving. The wood is very fine with scattered small scratches and dings, some wear of the finish on the comb, some age to the recoil pad, minor oil discoloration, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000