1174

Stunning, Mint Condition, Special Order, Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Supergrade Winchester Mode

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:17,000.00 USD Estimated At:35,000.00 - 55,000.00 USD
Stunning, Mint Condition, Special Order, Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Supergrade Winchester Mode
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As Dean H. Whitaker states in his book The Model 70 Winchester 1937-1964 "from 1937 until the late 1950's, the custom shop at the Winchester factory produced special order Model 70's on a continual basis". During this time Winchester policy was "if the customer was willing to pay, the company was willing to play," and almost any variation, within reasonable limits, was possible. Among the items available at extra cost were engraving, wood carving, extra fancy wood, metal inlays, special sights, and a variety of other features. For further reading see Whitaker, The Model 70 Winchester 1937-1964. The rifle offered here is an example of one of these special order rifles manufactured in the desirable 22 Hornet. Among the many special order features on this rifle the most noticeable is the factory engraving and gold inlay work. The breech end of the barrel is engraved in a simple floral pattern and is intertwined by a gold inlaid band and large opened scrolls. A simple but elegant floral scroll is engraved on the bolt. The receiver is beautifully engraved with tight intricate scrolls flanked by a leaf and line border. The floor plate and trigger guard also exhibit the same intricate scroll and border pattern, more elaborate on the floor plate. A gold inlaid oval sits at the center of the trigger guard possibly for initials or a presentation. At the center of the floor plate is a handsome wooded game scene with a masterfully engraved and gold inlaid fox jumping after a pheasant. Winchester proofs are stamped on the left side of the breech end of the barrel through the gold band and on the left side of the receiver. The proof through the band indicates that the barrel and receiver were properly struck after the custom shop had finished their extensive work. Other special order features include hooded ramp front sight with folding adjustable rear sight. The barrel is marked with the standard "Super Grade" barrel address followed by "22 Hornet" caliber designation. Jeweled bolt and follower. The rifle is finished with a special select, deluxe American walnut stock with hand checkering and B-carving. The stock is fitted with an ebony forend, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivel bases. Accompanied by the original box and hanging tag. The end label of the box shows the special order features; "Select Wood", "Special Sight", "SPECIAL" are all stamped in black ink on the label. Also on the end label is "eng. per sketch" and "b carving" written by the same hand as the serial number "114889".
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock: deluxe factory walnut
Gauge: 22 hornet
Finish: blue/gold
Grips:
Serial Number: 114889
Condition: Mint. The rifle remains in unfired, original preserved factory condition. The action is still coated with its original grease from when it left the factory. The bolt has never been inserted and is like new. The stock is equally excellent and compliments the craftsmanship on the rest of the rifle exhibiting a wonderful and mature feathering. Accompanied by its original box numbered to gun and verifying the special order features. Over all it is a like new example of a special order Winchester Model 70 worthy of the most advanced sporting arms or Winchester collection.