robert146,
The Winchester Model 23 was built by Olin-Kodensha in Japan and introduced in 1978. The list price in 1981 was $1,150.-. The Model 23 differs in design from the earlier Models 21 and 24, the latter being possibly the ugliest SxS ever produced in the States. The Model 23 was offered in six versions plus some "commemorative" grades (one such being the Grand Canadian). When discontinued in 1987, the Pigeon grade listed for $1,460.-, the Classic was $1,750.- while 28 gauge and .410 bore were priced at $1,850. A "Custom" two barrel set (20 & 28 gauge with full fancy walnut and a fitted leather luggage-style case was listed at $4,650.-. Current values range from $500.-(poor) up to $3,400.-(Exc.) for the Light and Heavy Duck grades while the Golden Quail may go up to $4,500.- or more with .410 bores bringing an extra 10%.
IIRC, after being discontinued by Winchester, some Model 23's together with the Model 101 over & under were imported and sold under the Classic Doubles brand. The plant in Japan also produced a Model 201 SxS which I believe was to be the successor to the Model 23. The short lived Model 201 has a different frame design that appears to have a longer watertable somewhat reminiscent of the Winchester Model 21, as well as, changes to the locking lug and ejectors. IMO, the profile of the Model 201 more closely resembles the Winchester Model 21 than the Model 23.
The Model 21 Winchester was introduced in 1931 and was a personal favorite of John Olin. Although listed as a production gun, it was essentially hand built and could be ordered with a number of options. Approximately 30,000 were built during a 28 year production run. In 1960, manufacture of the Model 21 was transferred to Winchester's Custom Shop where another 1,000 or so guns were made until the firearms operation was sold to U.S. Repeating Arms. Values of Model 21's typically run from the mid-four figures up to the five figure range depending on gauge, options and engraving. Model 21's are now built by CSMC who claim to be the "Custom Shop". There appears to some dispute as to whether the CSMC Model 21's are authentic or replicas. Prices now start at five figures.
Winchester's Model 24 was introduced in 1939 as a medium priced double. Its appearance has been described as being two single barrel shotguns sharing a common frame. Price when
introduced was about $30.+/-. The Model 24 does not appear to have been very popular as only some 116,000 guns were made. Due to its simplicity and reliability, this model has a loyal following. Current values for the Model 24 range from $200.-(poor) up to $650.-(Exc.) subject to the usual condition factors, etc..
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