Sorry for using this thread to try and post my first photo. But since we are talking about M21s, I'll try to leave a picture or two of Ser. No. 363X that I mentioned in my earlier post.
Another reason date of manufacture can have some relevance in M21s', Cherry Bomb, has to do with wood quality/color/figure....at least according to Ned Schwing, author of the M21 book. He stated therein (pg. 101) that pre-war guns had their walnut sourced from older black walnut trees out of Missouri as opposed to many of the later post-war (1950's) guns.
A big generalization on his part, perhaps, but he claimed it to be darker overall than some of the lumber Winchester later used. This pretty much bears out when looking at pictures of some of the early pre-war guns in his book. Not all, but in some. This 1936 gun was refinished by myself some years ago when replacing the recoil pad, and I can vouch that no stain was used to darken it......just Pilkington's clear oil.
The frame is roll stamped as a 'Trap Grade' - yet still with factory field dimensions according to Cody letter - that was special ordered by Abercrombie & Fitch in 1936. The LOM case shown came from the estate of the late Ed Zern, humorist and fishing writer for Field & Stream more years ago than I wish to remember.
Hope the photos work!!??
Robert
