Nice .35 Remington for auction|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Copying my definite “Opinion” take from 1 October on another Forum where this rifle advertisement then presented.
***
First, in the reference we are viewing, ‘purporting’ a quite expensive rifle. A question right off the bat, IF truly as photos intended to suggest, is that a reasonable price? If not, no real need to proceed farther in purchase consideration. For analytics here, moving forward.
Second, before even viewing the generally less than mediocre quality & qualtity photos, consider the written “manifestations” concerning the rifle. Basically offering description… NOT! More requiring bidders view the photos and determine their own opinion/decision. Well… In a good Internet ad, the seller presumably with huge advantage of “hands on” and on high value gun, to share/put to rest all the questions concerning condition/originality/authenticity.
Buyers ‘reasonably’ depending on such description. Where a “you decide” proposition, seems to me the seller already decided and unhappily so! Not to risk any assertions of correctness, originality, etc. The “written description” ad area, more of humorous! Several lines pertaining to the gun generally… Followed by long paragraph of conditions and disclaimers. This seller, not just silence. Affirmatively disassociating himself from about any representations concerning the rifle. Certainly, concerning much of anything beyond “rifle”!

A rifle in this category demanding quality photos; a plethora! The buyer, as noted, not just being referred to the photos! Pretty lousy photos as well! For $20K I’d want to see that barreled action out of stock and the markings. Particularly under-barrel breech! An original barrel should have a year marking! So, to this point, hard to see the poorly depicted forest for the multi-red flags waiving! I’m not even sure of the serial number! Guessing 82K and thus second action variation. The angular shot of the chambering markings, for no apparent “good” reason, presuming “bad” reason. Such as apparent misallignment with main nomenclature. Excepting: Because the .35 Remington did use a separate roll die, from main associated nomenclature, such misallignment is possible.) The fact of the angular photo, a bizzare shot likely a lot more effort than ‘straight-on’! Presumably the barrel should be the earlier style with integral forged front sight ramp. No way to tell here.
Really, more analysis possible, but not in my Hercule Poirot mood tonight; not up for it.

‘Concluding opine’ and just that. While yet ‘could’ be legit, looking qustionable. Pinging on the whole ad presentation, disclaimers, poor quality, inadequate photos… If the seller understood value of a genuine Model 70 .35 Remington, they should also have the acumen to document, document, document and share, share, shar. Finally, to put their own reputaiton behind a $20K – or more sale! Such, final shoe the lister/seller themselves. Not just non-committal, seeking to divorce from liability! Appearance of at least strong suspicions of non-genuime product. One thing by disclaimers to avoid legal liabilities, quite another as my opinion, sullying one’s reputation with strong suggestion/appearance of unethical behavior.

My opinions here and definite take!
Best & Keep Safe
John

***

And continuing opinion. My doubt of this rifle authenticity predicated on “extrinsic evidence”. Such beyond photos, as note, seller’s referral to such exclusively coupled with Sergeant Schultz (Hogan’s Heros) “I know nothing, I see nothing!”

Steve, we’re amazingly parallel on owning many of the same gun models incl 14″ bbl Contender, mine 30-30. Not to say more here, I’m likely on “Double Secret Probation” from pushing the “Winchester irrelevant” envelope as our Administrator folks particular kind & tolerant!
Again… Best to All & Stay Safe
John