Bert H. said
You either need to get glasses (or an update to your current prescription for them).  It is very visually & clearly evident that the Model 71 in question has been refinished.  The stock checkering has a very noticeable amount of non-factory original shellac/varnish applied it, the proof marks are way too thin, and there is visual evidence of dishing around the receiver frame screws.

Based on your previous posts on this topic and in this topic post, it is clearly evident to me (and others) that you have an issue with my expertise as it relates to the Model 71… you are certainly entitled to your opinion(s) about this subject, but just beware that when I see posted information that is not accurate on the WACA website, I will endeavor to post corrected information (and not just you). 

Bert

  

Bert, I respect you in a lot of ways. But I do feel you need to remove your blinders for a minute and open up to the possibility that there are a lot (if not all) of the very last model 71s had blued over serial numbers and some different characteristics. I have owned or observed way too many with the exact same finish that exhibit this. They come from all corners of the country, many fresh “out of the woodwork”. I have a very late, high condition deluxe rifle coming in a group of guns in the coming weeks (not one we have discussed). I will try to document it on a forensic level perhaps in a separate forum post. This one seems to have gotten off-tangent.

Regarding the recent post of mine, the Gunbroker link/ Model 71 #46677. I disagree with your comment “proof marks are too thin” and “visual evidence of dishing around the receiver frame screws”. First, The proofmark on the barrel for sure shows evidence of the deformation we all look for. Not buffed. And the receiver proof is washed out in reflection. Looks just like most all models in this timeframe the receiver proof mark isn’t as deep. Why? I don’t know, perhaps receiver hardness? You probably have some data on that. I have thousands of close photos of proof marks if we want to do some looking. Secondly, the dishing of screws? Give me a break. Yeah, bubba usually dishes the heck out of receiver sides when he reblues a gun. But I have news for you, all factory original Winchesters have dishing around the screw heads as well. They were not perfect at buffing either. And depending on how you take the photos, they will show up. I have pulled 3 original rifles and took some photos for you with emphasis on the dishing. A late model 94 as new, a very nice model 1886, and a high condition early model 71.