My first Model 21

[mm2word]

I inherited this model 21 from my uncle who passed in 64. At the time I was not around yet, so it went to my grandfather, then to my dad, and now me.
I don’t know a lot about the Model 21's except for what I have read about on line. I hope to keep it in as good of a condition to pass it along when I go.
If anyone has any extra info pertaining to serial numbers or if you think it may be something I should call The Cody museum about.
Serial # 23935 (16 guage mod and imp cyl)

[mm2word]

more pics of my model 21.

[mm2word]

more pics of my model 21

[P.Muerrle]

I have the factory engravers records on this gun.

[mm2word]

How would I go about getting a copy of the factory engravers records? Do you think I should also call The Cody museum about it?

[cartod]

As im sure you know, you have a very valuable gun. A custom grade 16 ga. A letter from cody and Pauline will confirm everything as original. The cody letter will not verify the engraver and its nice to know which artist chisled the gun. I would get both letters for youself and its future owners.

[edavison]

A person's first 21 is somewhat like a first child. No matter how many come after, the first is special. My first, a 20ga field grade 2 bbl set, came from my grandfather. He was 74 at the time, and complained that his sight was such that he needed a 12ga to hit anything! My grandfather grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota. After college and law school, he went to the Twin Cities, where he was a founding partner of Fagre & Benson. One of his clients was the President of Federal Cartridge, so Grandpa, of course, had to accompany him to the annual Board meetings held, for some reason, in South Dakota the day before the opening of pheasant season. When Mr. Pres. saw the "club" Grandpa called a shotgun, he steered him to Abercrombie & Fitch and "suggested" that a 20ga M21 would be just right. I've used the gun since 1964 on everything from quail to Canada geese from James Bay, Ontario to Bahia Blanca, Argentina. I hope everyone else has enjoyed their "first" as much as I have mine. That said, I'm always looking to add brothers and sisters to the family! Ed

[budrichard]

As other have Posted you have a very nice Model 21 in a desirable gauge. But more important is the provenance, that cannot ever be acquired by just purchasing a Model 21. Never sell your Model 21, it's value to yourself is not measurable.
It's not a 'Custom Grade' as that term was only used for M21's out of the Custom Shop. It's not a flatside and has a double border line around the checkering. From the barrel marking and serial number, it probably should have been ordered as a 'Custom Built' but if so, would say 'Custom Built By Winchester' on the rib.
So, it may have been ordered as a Deluxe which proceeded the 'Custom Built'.
But the above is just nomenclature as there is no real difference among the Model 21's except, the time frame in which they were ordered. It has the number 1 engraving pattern known as 21-1, pistol grip, hard butt plate which I assume is marked Winchester and IC/Mod barrels, beavertail forearm with the later checkering pattern(Not kidney shape), engine turned receiver and blued trigger. I can't tell the barrel lengths. The wood seems a little bit better than a Field Grade Model 21 of that era.
A letter from Pauline listing the engraver is certainly worthwhile and a Cody letter will also be required for this Model 21.
I for one would like to know how ordered?
It certainly is a beautiful shotgun! Use it in good health and for a long time.-Dick

[mm2word]

I sure appreciate all the good words; My Father is an avid collector of all kinds of guns. From what he had told me before The Model 21 that I have now was purchased along with his model 21 as gifts from their dad to sons but my uncle who I am named after died in the early 60’s. My grandfather then had it until he passed in 88, and then to my dad. My father is still around but he had finally decided it was time to hand it down. I have not been out and shoot in quite some time. I don’t know if it is a gun I could even take out and shoot, to me it feels almost like I am the caretaker of a relic that belongs to someone else. This is obviously something that I will keep locked up and treasured and pass down to our grandchildren.
Thank you all for all the kind words.

[budrichard]

Treat your Model 21 with care but shoot it while hunting or even SKEET or Clays as IC/MOD is very close to Sk1/Sk2.
Your Grandfather, Uncle and Father would want it that way I believe.
It should not be locked away except when not in use.-Dick

[Redbones]

That's a really beautiful gun. How nice to inherit it. The terms relating to the word "custom" can be a bit confusing when it comes to the M21. Because of its serial No., I'm guessing the gun was a "Custom Built" (1933-1941) or a "Deluxe (1942-1950) rather than a "Custom Deluxe" (1951-1952) or "Custom Built" when the name was used again (1953-1959). (These names and dates are per Schwing.) The "Custom Grade," as already mentioned, was out of the Custom Shop, which began in 1960--much too late for this gun. This example is interesting in that it is a clearly a custom-ordered M21 but lacks a grip cap. Enjoy your shotgun--it's a nice one!

[cartod]

You definitly got some "custom grade" responses. :eek:

[ClifW]

So rare to see a gun unfettered with all the pride of Winchester craftsman still there. So many have been monkeyed with or out an out fabricated out of thin air. Still one of my favorite shotguns ever

[mm2word]

How do I get a copy of the engravers records on this gun?