Pre-War Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Engraved Custom Super Grade .30-06 Sprg

SOLD FOR: $1,550.25

WOA#: WY240605WS006

Make: Winchester

Model: 70 Super Grade

Serial Number: 166696

Year of Manufacture: 1949

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel cover by a protective hood. The rear sight was originally a “U” notch elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel. The top of the receiver has two pairs of drilled & tapped holes with bases applied to them mounted is a 4 power Hensoldt Wetzlar Scope. The scope is marked “Ziel Dialyl 4x / Nr. 39469” The left rear of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, Ebony Snabel nose cap, straight comb with European-style Rosewood cheekpiece, and Super Grade style sling plates inlaid front and rear with Super-Grade QD swivels. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, and compressions. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the bubber “White Line” Buttpad. The stock has been highly enhanced and hand engraved featuring Multiple Fleur de lis and fine checkering .There are only small amounts of cleaning to be done to this rifle. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with strong rifling. There is no pitting or erosion throughout. In my opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The bolt is serial matched, though the markings are clear. There are areas of pitting on the bolt. There is engraving throughout featuring scroll work containing Fibinochi sequences. The floor plate features incredible oak leaves, floral pattern scrollwork and a proud Elk in an oval. The hinged pistol grip cap works like an engraved patchbox containing the original rear sight. The hinged door is embellished with a bold pronghorn goat. The engraving on this rifle is premier level if anything at all. The action shows some operational wear. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 70 is an iconic American sporting rifle that has been a staple of hunters for more than 80 years; reliable, robust, and accurate, it is one of the benchmarks by which all bolt action rifles are measured. It has more than earned its nickname of “The Rifleman’s Rifle” and is one of the most iconic rifles around.

This is a vintage pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield that was made in 1949 and highly embellished with engraving and inlaid with gold ribbons. The Super Grade has nicer-grain wood with an Ebony nose cap, engraved and hinged grip cap, rosewood cheekpiece and nicer checkering than would be found on the standard Rifles.

While it has certainly seen some days in the field, we must take into account what a different place America was when this rifle was purchased. Rifles like this were bought, shot, and modified with little regard for a collectors market that may spring up a few decades later. The number of men who hunted was significantly higher than in 2024 and rifles like the Model 70 were one of the most popular tools of the hunt. Speaking of what a different place America was, it shows in the quality of rifles like these. The fit and finish is superb, the craftsmanship is evident and everything comes together in perfect harmony for a wonderful rifle the likes of which aren’t encountered much these days. Pre-64 Model 70s have significant collector interest, the Super Grades even more and this one, well just look at the pictures. This is a timeless classic to add to any collection. So bid high and bid firm. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid. -K.F.