ATLAS
COLLECTIBLE FIREARMS

Atlas Collectible Firearms is incredibly proud to present a stunning piece of American double-gun artistry: a World War II-era Winchester Model 21 Trap 12 Gauge side-by-side shotgun. This highly desirable boxlock features 30-inch barrels choked with a fixed Modified (MOD) restriction on the left and a fixed Improved Cylinder (IMP-CYL) restriction on the right. This investment-grade shotgun is completely numbers-matching, with the serial number 16675 stamped across the receiver top tang, the barrel flats, the forearm iron, and inside the forearm wood. Long ago, the shotgun was beautifully restored and subsequently transformed into an absolute masterpiece of exhibition engraving and 24K gold inlay game scenes by the world-famous, FEGA-certified (Firearms Engraver Guild of America) Master Engraver Mike Dubber, who proudly signed his work "DUBBER" on the bottom receiver metal. The frame showcases full flowing scrollwork on a striated background, highlighted by a gold ringneck pheasant mid-ascent on the left side, a rising grouse on the right side, and a grouse mid-flight on the underside, all captured in exquisitely detailed wood and meadow scenes. According to our research there is limited information on exact production dates of these early WWII era Winchester Model 21's but what we found is this example with serial number 16675 was made sometime towards the end of 1941 early 1942.
The premium appointments continue with a gold-washed single mechanical trigger featuring a blade-mounted barrel selector, a non-automatic safety system, and an engraved "TRAP" designation placed ahead of the trigger guard. This Model 21 is stocked in a breathtaking piece of feather crotch exhibition walnut featuring checkered side panels, two panels of modified point-pattern checkering with mullered borders around the wrist, a vacant golden vanity presentation plate at the toe line, and a Winchester red rubber recoil pad. The capped pistol grip boasts a beaded edge and a floral motif about a raised dais that is decorated with thin scrollwork and a delicate gold wire band. The beavertail forearm perfectly mirrors the high-grade finish and crisp checkering of the buttstock, creating a perfectly balanced profile boasting a length of pull measuring 14 1/2 inches over the pad (13 1/2 inches to the wood), cast off, with a drop at comb of 1 3/8 inches and a drop at heel of 2 3/8 inches.
The condition of this custom-upgraded Winchester is very good as expertly finished, likely executed at the time of its artistic embellishment. The barrels retain the vast majority of their high-grade polished royal blued finish, showing just minor softening of the sharp edges and a few scattered handling marks from careful use. The beavertail forearm exhibits two stable, historic repaired breaks on the left rear side where it meets the receiver iron, while the frame preserves virtually all of its masterfully upgraded finish. The exhibition buttstock shows a stable vintage repaired break at the left side panel where it abuts the frame—complete with clean resin infill and stable cracks—along with some light chipping at the lower tang, scattered handling dings, and minor rash near the toe, with the heel of the buttpad sitting slightly proud to the wood. Mechanically, the shotgun operates wonderfully with very good, smooth bores showing minor firing striations toward the chambers, and the automatic ejectors cycle in proper time.