Thursday, September 26, 2024

Gun Works of Art: John Olin's Winchester model 21

 John Olin started his career working as a chemical engineer for his Father's company: Western Cartridge Company.

In 1935 Western purchased Winchester Repeating Arms Co and in 1944 John Olin was named as the President.

The 20-gauge Winchester model 21 is a hammerless double barrel shotgun and is considered to be the best Winchester ever made. Produced as a catalog item from 1931 to 1959, but was still available as a custom ordered gun until 1991.

This particular gun was made for John Olin by the Winchester employees and could be the best quality gun ever produced by Winchester.

The engraving was done by Nick Kusmit a master engraved who had worked for Winchester and this was the last one he did for the company.

The gun is named for King Buck, Olin's favorite hunting dog, a black lab. King Buck also holds the distinction as being the first dog portrayed on Federal Duck Stamps beginning in 1959.

This fine gun resides at the NRA's National Firearm Museum in Fairfax Virginia, link provided below.














NRA Museums:

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