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I am looking for some feedback/information on the origins of the engravings on .375 H&H Magnum my father purchased back in the early 70s. He never fired the gun and doesn’t believe the original owner did either.
See photos Drop Box link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/agltw68098i449k/AABG7okmzqrBoBDz15NUa3iTa?dl=0
Serial Number: 296493
He’s not sure if the engraving was done by Winchester, maybe in their custom shop, or after market by the guns original owner.
Any thoughts and information is greatly appreciated.
November 5, 2014
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Hi bmborghetti-
Thank you for posting the link to the photos.
I would say that your rifle has been rather heavily “personalized” by a former owner. The stock has been sanded smooth and the fore end thinned. The bolt body has been jeweled and the handle polished. The barrel has been MagNaPorted (not available in 1954 when this rifle was made) and the front sight changed to a Redfield Sourdough.
The engraving was likely done at the time of the other changes and is not factory. Bear in mind that I am not an engraving expert by any means, but the engraving does not conform to any of the factory engraving patterns for the M70. The expert, of course, is Pauline Muerrle (paulinemuerrle.com) who was a former Winchester Custom Shop engraver, in case you want to reach out to her.
Best,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
