budrichard
11-10-07, 10:40 AM
From its introduction in 1930 to 1959, about 30,000 Model 21's were produced. Model 21's were produced in an almost bewildering(sometimes it seems) array of models and combinations. Winchester would produce almost anything one wanted as long as it was within manufacuring ability. Shotguns with each barrel having a different chamber length and shotguns having a different gauge for each barrel are among the most notable results. All were manufactured in the different Winchester Departments. Eventually engraving styles ala the Model 12 were developed being known as 21-1, 21-2, 21-3, 21-4, 21-5, 21-6, and 21-6 w/inlay. The engraving became more intricate and costly as one progressed up the numbers. The 21-6 w/inlay became one of the most coveted and beautiful styles but was not termed the 'Grand American' until the Custom Shop Years. All Production Model 21 serial numbers will have no prefix and serial number is not a firm indicator of the production year as recievers were manufactuerd in batches. The only way to determine the year of manufacture of a Model 21 is to obtain a letter from the Cody Museum. Along with the date of manufacture, you will get information about the initial manufacture of a Model 21.
Note: the Cody records are not infallible. This was the age of manual record keeping. Not all Model 21's are recorded during this period and not all information is 100%. There are Model 21's without Cody records. There are various theories abounding including the nefarious 'Lunch Box Guns' but mostly its the result of manual record keeping. I know personally about one Model 21 I was offered, termed a 20 gauge Grand American set that the only Cody record was a letter that a Winchester employee had inserted in the Winchester records after having examined a collection of Model 21's without previous Winchester documentation. The Winchester employee, certified that these Model 21's were all factory guns. The interesting thing is the that the 20 gauge Grand American set that was being offered was referred to as a 28 gauge SKEET Model 21 by serial number! The set in reality could only have been a 21-6 w/inlay and who knows how the set came into being.
The absence of a model 21 record should not be a detriment to purchase except for high grade guns. In the event of no Cody record, the old adage, 'buy the gun' is applicable, meaning purchase the gun on its attributes.
High grade Model 21's purchasers should obtain a Cody record as there were many Model 21's upgraded by good and not so good gunsmiths and engravers. Usually with experience one can spot an upgraded Model 21 from a distance as many upgrades were done to battered guns with the idea of a big $$ in mind and the actual spending of little cash. Better to refinish to factory specifications by a reputable source.
I once met an individual with a Vent Rib Pigeon Grade Duck with 32" barrels for sale as he described to me. From a distance it was evident that the wood was not factory, the rib was aftermarket as well as the 'scratching' on the gun. The rib was also loose and my advice was to just shoot it and not spend any money on the gun as it was not worth returning to factory specifications if it could be done at all. This should not discourage Model 21 purchasers but only be aware that as in any area there are good ones and not so good ones available, you just have to know what to look for and to look.
Note: the Cody records are not infallible. This was the age of manual record keeping. Not all Model 21's are recorded during this period and not all information is 100%. There are Model 21's without Cody records. There are various theories abounding including the nefarious 'Lunch Box Guns' but mostly its the result of manual record keeping. I know personally about one Model 21 I was offered, termed a 20 gauge Grand American set that the only Cody record was a letter that a Winchester employee had inserted in the Winchester records after having examined a collection of Model 21's without previous Winchester documentation. The Winchester employee, certified that these Model 21's were all factory guns. The interesting thing is the that the 20 gauge Grand American set that was being offered was referred to as a 28 gauge SKEET Model 21 by serial number! The set in reality could only have been a 21-6 w/inlay and who knows how the set came into being.
The absence of a model 21 record should not be a detriment to purchase except for high grade guns. In the event of no Cody record, the old adage, 'buy the gun' is applicable, meaning purchase the gun on its attributes.
High grade Model 21's purchasers should obtain a Cody record as there were many Model 21's upgraded by good and not so good gunsmiths and engravers. Usually with experience one can spot an upgraded Model 21 from a distance as many upgrades were done to battered guns with the idea of a big $$ in mind and the actual spending of little cash. Better to refinish to factory specifications by a reputable source.
I once met an individual with a Vent Rib Pigeon Grade Duck with 32" barrels for sale as he described to me. From a distance it was evident that the wood was not factory, the rib was aftermarket as well as the 'scratching' on the gun. The rib was also loose and my advice was to just shoot it and not spend any money on the gun as it was not worth returning to factory specifications if it could be done at all. This should not discourage Model 21 purchasers but only be aware that as in any area there are good ones and not so good ones available, you just have to know what to look for and to look.