1948 Winchester Skeet Model 21 Side by Side SxS 12 Gauge Shotgun – C&R OK
SOLD FOR: $4,500
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 21 Skeet
Serial Number: 21496
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Break-Open Boxlock Side by Side Shotgun
Markings: The side of the left barrel is marked “WINCHESTER – 12 GAUGE / 2 ¾ CHAM.” The left barrel flat is marked “21496” and both barrel flats have Winchester proof marks. The right barrel flat has an “A”, “B” stamped over each other and “24”. The bottom of the left barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / WS – 2” and the bottom of the right barrel is marked “WS – 1 / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The inside of the forearm is stamped “21496” in both the wood and metal hardware and also “M” only in the wood. The left water table is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. MODEL 21 / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO / NEW HAVEN, CONN.” And the right water table has the “WP” proof mark. The top tang is marked “21496” and the underside of the receiver is marked “SKEET”. The pistol grip cap is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. in an oval.
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: Skeet 1 and Skeet 2 The right bore at the muzzle measures .738”. The left bore at the muzzle measures .717”.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a red Bradley bead front sight and a small steel mid-rib bead.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. There are numerous small compression marks on the butt stock with one notable mark about 2” long approximately 3” behind the left side pistol grip. The forearm has a ½” long compression mark towards the right rear and a fine light scratch about 4” long at the bottom front. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the checkered wood butt. The drop at the comb is 1 5/8” and the drop at the heel is 2 3/8” The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is what appears to be plastic wad fouling in each barrel, but no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and gray patina. The rib has a ding on the left edge about 2’ from the breech and a scratch across the rib about 9” from the breech. The screw heads are slightly disfigured. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun has ejectors. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Model 21 is considered by many to be the best shotgun Winchester ever made. This example is marked “SKEET” and is choked Skeet 1 and Skeet 2. It undoubtedly has seen any number of rounds of skeet over the years, but still locks up like a steel vault. If you enjoy shooting a few rounds of social skeet, this is guaranteed to spark conversation and envy among your friends.
