Lot 3450

Desirable Connecticut Model 21 Grand American 45-70 Double Rifle

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Desirable Connecticut Model 21 Grand American 45-70 Double Rifle

Estimate: $25,000 - $45,000

Starting Bid: $20,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Exceptional Highly Desirable Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co. Model 21 Grand American Double Rifle in .45-70 Government Attributed as Engraved by Master Engraver Nick Kusmit with Case This magnificent American double rifle was completed by the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company c. 2000 and is chambered for the venerable All-American .45-70 Government cartridge which has been taking game all over the world for over 150 years, from the plains of the United States to the jungles of Africa and India. The rifle's stunning embellishments are based on a modified Grand American pattern and purportedly executed by famed American Master Engraver Nick Kusmit, who spent many years at Winchester in the Custom Shop perfecting his craft. Mr. Kusmit is regarded amongst collectors as one of the finest American engravers of the 20th century and is known to have embellished guns for industry titans and dignitaries alike. The rifle was built with blued Winchester Proof Steel barrels featuring a beaded blade fore sight on a ramped base, a four-leaf (one standing, four folding) island rear sight with gold inlaid graduation marks for 50, 75, 100, and 150 yards along with the gold centerlines. The barrels show 2 3/4 inch wedges of scroll engraving at either breech, C.S.M.C. markings on and ahead of the jewelled flats, and chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the blued action which displays stunningly well-executed near full coverage scroll engraving surrounding carved oak leaf and acorn engraving on the fences as well as four fine semi-relief gold inlaid animal scenes in oval vignettes before flowing off of the action onto the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs, the upper of which is inlaid with the serial number “W38177” in fine gold. The game scenes consist of a bull elk standing broadside on a hillside on the left, a bighorn ram standing on the mountain side on the underside, a bull moose in a northern marsh on the right, and a bust of a grizzly bear on the trigger guard bow, all of which are rendered in fine detail. The rifle features jewelled watertable, flats, and lump, a gold single selective trigger, and a tang mounted automatic safety. The rifle is fitted with a beautifully figured beavertail forend with fine checkering with fancy carved scroll borders, an ebony tip inlay, and blued and engraved iron and rotary latch release. The pistol grip stock displays outstanding feather crotch figure and features matching carving and checkering, a blank gold inscription oval, and an engraved blued skeleton buttplate around the checkered butt. Includes a leather flat case with Winchester trade label, nickel oiler, nickel snap caps, and a factory test target. Length of pull 14 5/16 inches. Weight 9 lbs.

Manufacturer: Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co.

Model: 21

BBL: 26 inch solid rib

Stock: carved walnut

Gauge: 45-70 Government

Finish: blue/gold

Serial NumberW38177

Class: Modern Long Gun

  • Condition: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and gold finishes with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine showing some light transit/storage wear. Do not miss out on this opportunity to own a magnificent Model 21 double rifle attributed as engraved by Master Engraver Nick Kusmit!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000