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April 15, 2005
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[email protected] said
Bert H. said
Yes indeed… a very fine addition to your growing collection! Congrats!!
The PR date for it is 10/26/1935. I now have serial numbers 3, 4, 7, and 9 in my survey, all four were manufactured on the same day. Serial number 9 was the last rifle on that date, serial number 10 was not manufactured until 10/31/1935.
Bert
Bert,
Did you actually put your eyes on 3,4, or 7 ?
Do you recall the wood on any of these being exceptional? Just curious….
S/N 3 was in the Winchester Museum collection, and then later sold by RIA in their December 2019 Premier auction. I do not remember what the stocks looked like.
I personally handled S/N 4 at the Big Reno show in November 2011. The stocks had been refinished and the checkering recut.
S/N 7 was listed on Gunbroker in late April 2022. It had been restocked, aftermarket engraved, and it had a newer barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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George,
Another fine example that you’re sharing with us.
Congrats on you’re acquisition, as the friendly acquaintance with the older gentleman is the part I cherish the most. These relationships are truly remarkable, as I can truly relate and appreciate. Being in that position is something I can relate to on more than one occasion, and can value.
Think about the trust level you’re friend has with you that is often unheard of anymore today, but we hear these conversations in the collector hobby occasionally, and as fellow collectors we can appreciate them.
Enjoy a truly remarkable example and thanks for sharing.
Tony
November 19, 2006
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Let me add, that was a very pleasing group of quality photos you posted. It helped all of us enjoy your prize even more.
July 3, 2020
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I saw the Model 70 in 250-3000 first… had to see what the 71 mentioned in that thread looked like… wonderful. Simply, wonderful. Can’t wait to see the others… 🙂
June 12, 2013
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This post just shows that there still is a large collection of quality Winchesters still tucked away in private collections that may eventually surface as older collectors start to liquidate their prize guns. Unfortunately may of us that respect these guns are in or very close to the same condition. 
February 26, 2021
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antler1 said
This post just shows that there still is a large collection of quality Winchesters still tucked away in private collections that may eventually surface as older collectors start to liquidate their prize guns. Unfortunately may of us that respect these guns are in or very close to the same condition.
Yes…. I’m 59 and I feel like a youngster around here…😂😂😂
April 15, 2005
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[email protected] said
antler1 said
This post just shows that there still is a large collection of quality Winchesters still tucked away in private collections that may eventually surface as older collectors start to liquidate their prize guns. Unfortunately may of us that respect these guns are in or very close to the same condition.
Yes…. I’m 59 and I feel like a youngster around here…😂😂😂
At 66, I am a “tweener”… not old enough to be a bona fide “Old Phart”, but too old to be a “youngster”. The good news is that I am still in the “collect” frame of mind versus the “dispose” mode.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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Bert H. said
[email protected] said
antler1 said
This post just shows that there still is a large collection of quality Winchesters still tucked away in private collections that may eventually surface as older collectors start to liquidate their prize guns. Unfortunately may of us that respect these guns are in or very close to the same condition.
Yes…. I’m 59 and I feel like a youngster around here…😂😂😂
At 66, I am a “tweener”… not old enough to be a bona fide “Old Phart”, but too old to be a “youngster”. The good news is that I am still in the “collect” frame of mind versus the “dispose” mode.
Bert
Gotta Keep going gents, just as you’re saying! Keep on keeping on!
Tony
July 14, 2016
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[email protected] said
antler1 said
This post just shows that there still is a large collection of quality Winchesters still tucked away in private collections that may eventually surface as older collectors start to liquidate their prize guns. Unfortunately may of us that respect these guns are in or very close to the same condition.
Yes…. I’m 59 and I feel like a youngster around here…😂😂😂
Mate I’m 41! Most of my collecting friends here in Aus have white hair…or no hair…I don’t have greys yet 
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
February 26, 2021
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Well, I drove the two hours to see my old friend today. I had to “settle up” with him for the treasures passed from his collection to mine. It was a nice visit with many stories of guns that had passed through his hands over the years.
I can feel how difficult it is for him to watch his collection of forty plus years dwindle down to just a few. I can also sense that it brings him comfort that I too truly appreciate the walnut stocks, the craftsmanship, and the blued steel of these things called Winchester. He’s leaving to winter in Florida soon, and hopefully we’ll see each other again in the Spring. One thing that has been made crystal clear to me throughout all of this is…. the true value is not in any rifle or shotgun no matter how unique. It’s in the relationships. I noticed this the very first time I walked into that arena in Cody. I feel grateful to be a part of it.
Just as I was leaving, he said “I want you to take the ammo that goes with that 71.” He handed me three boxes and winked. “I have a couple of books you should take too.” I said “No, I need to pay you for the books.” He laughed and said, “Well, send me a check for whatever you want to Florida…and give yourself a deal!” I’m already looking forward to his return next Spring…
December 9, 2002
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George,
It’s stories like these that are shared that the few can realize, yet greatly appreciate. Not only a great story, but being able to realize how fortunate you are to live it and tell it, is something we fellow collectors, who have similar experiences can appreciate it. You relate you’re experiences very well.
To be able to acquire those three “Bear Boxes”, as many like to call them, in the .348 caliber to go with the 71, is very nice. Not only are the M-1873 Books, by James Gordon, in extremely nice condition, but hard to find, and very desirable. These are definitely the best reference books to date on the M-1873.
This gentleman is not only a Winchester collector that enjoyed the finer things, but valued them enough to take care of them and their accoutrements also.
This is a great story that you have added to, from you’re other ongoing posts, from what many other collectors term, “more good gun guy stories”, as so many will attest to the best people, to befriend, have been found to be “Winchester Collectors”!
We’re all just care takers! Some have an easier time realizing it than others.
Thanks for sharing! Looking forward meeting you and you’re Dad, at the OGCA/Waca show, this weekend.
Tony
July 8, 2012
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George,
I echo Tony’s sentiments. Great stories about a true gentleman collector. Thank you for sharing the great guns and items you’ve acquired from him. I too will be at the OGCA/WACA show table M-12 so stop by and say hello.
Al
