Carved & Engraved Model 70 300 H&H

[mskusna1963]

I am looking at a Model 70 300 H&H Super Grade made in 1956. The rifle has seen very little use and the bore is pristine. However, it has a carved stock and the action and barrel is engraved with an oak leaf motif. A grizzly is car Ed into the right side of the stock near the butt. My guess is this is European work as it has that feel to me. The bbl is 27". The recoil pad is non Winchester and has deteriorated - needs replacing. Anyone have an idea what it is worth? I am positive the engraving is non- factory. A nice gun but ornate to say the least. Thanks.

PS I have some photos on my iPhone. I can't figure out how to attach them. Will send along later if desired.

 

[mskusna1963]

Carved & Engraved Model 70

Typo: should read "carved" not "car Ed". Sorry. The asking price is $2600

 

[falmike]

If this gun was exported to europe, it should have foreign proof marks on it that could clue you in to where the work may have been done. Unless a GI took it over and back. I doubt the latter based on what it is.

If you do find unknown proof marks, you can go here:

http://www.phoenixinvestmentarms.com/archives/proofmarks.pdf

to research them.

Mike

 

[Skylerbone]

If it's not factory work and has no supporting documentation then the price merely reflects a pre-'64 Winchester that is also ornate. It won't increase in value to the degree others should to collectors so if you don't intend to keep and shoot it, consider something else.

As far as value, your determination will need to be your guide based on originals of the same era plus the cost of engraving (current) and weather it's worth it.

 

[mskusna1963]

Carved & Engraved Model 70

Thanks for the feedback fakmike and skylerbone. I will look again for proof marks. I am home now and will try to post some photos FYI.

Mike

I posted the max of four. I have a few more if interested.

Thanks again

Mike

 

[jmr40]

For a pre-WW2 rifle in 300 H&H that was still original I would think that was about $800- $1000 too high.

Post WW-2 rifles, even those made prior to 1964 are generally just considered shooters with little real collector value. Rare chamberings such as the 300 H&H will bring a little more. But being altered as heavily as this one hurts value in my opinion.

Value on something like this is hard to figure. I wouldn't be interested at $500. Someone who actually likes the "custom" touches might pay more. But in my opinion any slight collector value was lost with the engraving and stock carving.

 

[HOOfan_1]

From that picture, it doesn't look like it is CRF...unless I am just looking at it wrong. If that is the case, it is not Pre-64

 

[Robert]

Asking price is way too high.

 

[Edarnold]

Most of the valuations you've gotten reflect the opinions of the Investment Value of this rifle. From this point of view, the only value is how much it will appreciate when resold. If you care about the gun as an object representing the expertise of a gunsmith and engraver, then the question is how much does this gun make you happy to hold it and admire it's workmanship.

Personally, I doubt that you could duplicate this gun for twice the asking price. Looks like German stock carving with the oak leaf motif, so I'd imagine the engraving was done there as well. The Weatherby-style grip cap says 1960's period. I'd love to see better photos of the receiver engraving as well as that floorplate. Unless the barrel or other functional parts were replaced in Germany, I don't know if any proof marks would be added.

It's not my money, but if I had the chance I would regret passing up such a handsome piece.

IMHO

 

[ford8nr]

I agree with HOOfan, looks like a push feed post 64.

 

[joed]

I don't know what to tell you as I think the price is high. The engraving is artwork and could easily cost that price but I'm not into that. I'd probably just go out and buy a new model 70 and save some money.

 

[guntech59]

No mauser style extractor? Post '64. Someone is bsing you.

 

[mskusna1963]

Thanks for the candid observation. NTW serial # is 4263XX

 

[mskusna1963]

Serial # is 426XXX. No proof maks evident after inspection this PM. Nice looking gun, but...?

Thanks.

 

[mskusna1963]

Guys,

Thanks for the feedback. I will probably pass on it. The serial number is 4263XX or 1958 manufacture.

 

[mskusna1963]

Engraver Identified

More research on this Model 70 Pre-64 (1956) 300 H&H rifle has identified the engraver. It is Harry Lawson of Tucson, AZ. He is listed in the Blue Book. Thought you'd be interested.

 

[redneck2]

Something's not right. That doesn't look like any pre-64 I've seen. As noted, ones I've seen all have CRF AFAIK.

Kinda like taking a 60's collectible Corvette worth $100,000 and putting a $20,000 custom paint job on it. Just spent $20,000 to lower the value of the car by at least $20,000.

 

[Liberty1776]

Well, I hope you didn't buy it, or at least for that price. That is not the original stock, is poorly fitted (see the front of the floorplate area) and the carving is amateurishly done, but nice for an amateur. I can't make the engraving out that well but Harry Lawson was a good gunmaking shop. The gun also looks like it was reblued and the bolt handle should be blued. It may be worth half of what is being asked...Just my opinion - and I'm stuck with it.