November 5, 2014

Hi 257-
I think you’ve about summed it up, unless Seewin or someone else can add more (maybe a photo?).
There was indeed a “three-line” roll marking die used on .270 WIN FWTs for a period of time around 1955. I suspect that it was a variation produced in one run of dies that was not replicated subsequently. Whether that was one single die or several in the same batch I do not know… It is as Rule described, with the “Made in U.S.A.” moved underneath the words “TRADE MARK”. I have a .270 WIN SG FWT with that marking and have seen one other FWT so marked. Both were .270 WIN. My rifle S/N is 398707 (1957 receiver) but the ‘SUPER’ marked barrel is earlier (’55). Unfortunately, the gun is not here with me in SC so I cannot post a photo of the roll marking on that gun…
To try and answer your questions, note that after 1952 the roll marking dies used on M70 barrels were one-piece (including the caliber designation), and the Featherweight barrels were marked as such, so FWT dies were not used on standard rifles. I am only aware of these “three-line” dies on .270 WIN FWT barrels. I cannot exclude other FWT chamberings (or standard barrels), but have never seen one that wasn’t a .270 WIN and a Featherweight. Do you have such a beastie???
As for rarity and/or impact on value… They are certainly uncommon, but I doubt it would cause much excitement except among the geekiest of M70 collectors (like me)…
Hope this helps,
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
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