Rare Special Order Winchester Model 70 Super Grade African Model in 458 Win Magnum with Five Special Order Features and Original Cardboard Boxes This is an exceptionally rare "Special Order" Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 Super Grade "African Model" bolt action rifle manufactured in 1957, the second year of production for the 458 Win Magnum caliber. This exceptionally rare rifle has several special order features that include 1) a special handmade stock that features slightly smaller cheekpiece with a shadow line 2) a special order stock finish 3) a special order "Williams" adjustable rear sight 4) NO sling swivels nor bases were installed on either the stock or the barrel 5) a higher grade receiver polish vs. the more matte finish applied to most models. The Winchester Model 70s Super Grades all received a superior grade of polishing and rust blueing, and this rifle is no exception. The floor plate is correctly stamped "-SUPER GRADE-" with the bolt and extractor correctly, fully jeweled. It has the correct type III receiver with the correct type III bolt with the hollow bolt handle with sub inspector marking of "Y" on the underside of the bolt handle. The underside of the bolt is correctly serial numbered to the rifle (408549). It is also fitted with the correct early pattern type III bolt sleeve with the flat on the side under the safety lever. The stock, as noted, is a special order, handmade model with a three panel hand cut pattern that features full wraparound checkering on the forend and two panels (one on each sides) on the pistol grip. It has the correct slightly longer diamond (for late super grades) in the center of the forend panel. The stock has the correct, late, all steel Neidner style pistol grip as used by Winchester during this time. The forend has the standard ebony forend tip, and it is fitted with a Winchester marked red rubber recoil pad as used on all African model rifles. It has the correct 25 inch African model/pattern barrel with the short magnum style barrel markings and has been fitted with a correct second model "African Express" adjustable rear sight and the Lyman 37FA bead front sight used only on African models. The breech end of the barrel and front edge of the receiver are both stamped with the correct circled "WP" Winchester factory proof stamp. This exceptional rifle is complete with the original Winchester cardboard shipping box with the Winchester yellow and black label glued to the end of the box that lists the rifle serial number, special order features and model (all written in ink pen). The brown oil skin wrapping paper, the small cardboard box for the rifle bolt, the cardboard insert for the rifle butt, and the small cardboard spacer insert are inside. It also includes the original Winchester outer cardboard shipping box with the original Winchester factory blue and white shipping label that indicate it was shipped to: Bowsher HDWE Store, Wapakoneta, Ohio, on March 1957. The label also has the factory order number stamped on the label along with the special order model number (12-040-16A01) that, with the exception of the two digits missing, matches the ink marking on the end label, probably marked by the Winchester custom shop to track this rare rifle. Manufacturer: Winchester Model: 70 BBL: 25 inch round Stock: walnut checkered Gauge: 458 Win Mag Finish: blue Grips: Serial Number: 408549 Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun Condition: Near new in box with 99% plus of the original special order factory blue finish overall with minor edge wear. The bolt body also retains 99% plus of the original factory jeweling with only some very slight wear markings from being installed and cycled a few times with no signs of firing on the bolt face. The stock is also in like new condition with 99% of the original factory finish overall with no handling marks anywhere. The checkering is crisp and sharp. The inter cardboard box and the outer cardboard box both are in excellent condition showing only minor shipping and handling marks with clear, and distinct, 99% intact labels. This is probably one of the best super grade rifles we have been able to offer for sale, especially with "Five" Special order features. It looks like it was manufactured, shipped to the owner and then put away in a rifle cabinet and never used!

  • Condition: See Description

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Shipping

We will arrange for packing and shipping at our earliest possible convenience. We will attempt to ship as soon as possible, however, due to the huge volume of absentee bidders, delays in shipping of seven days after full payment is received by us is typical. In the case of crating or any exceptional packaging, the buyer will be charged our cost from outside agents. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges.

by Rock Island Auction Company
April 14, 2018 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000