Help, please: Winchester Engraving

[Dan M]

Help please? I'm trying to find the engraver who did the work shown in the attached photos. Pauline Muerrle has determined that it was not done by a factory engraver. Provenance of this Model 70 Super Grade is the Massachusetts area. I can't see any initials using a magnifying glass but perhaps they are incorporated. Thanks for any help.

Dan M

 

[JJ Roberts]

Dan, It looks like to me by the engraving going so far up the barrel that the gun was engraving in Japan. J.J.

 

[tdelewis]

It is hard to tell. Need better photos. From what I see to me it doesn't look like factory engraving.

 

[Dan M]

The photos are pretty big files, I'll try one.

 

[Roger Bleile]

Larger, better lit and focused pictures are needed for attribution.

 

[Dan M]

Ok, I'll try again. I have to read the instruct ions on the camera

 

[JJ Roberts]

Dan, the inlay of the Elk is silver and all the guns I've seen like yours of the Japanese engraved gun the animals and birds inlays were done in silver never saw one with gold your gun was engraved in Japan. J.J.

 

[Roger Bleile]

I agree with JJ Roberts. The scrollwork shows common characteristics of Japanese work. This gun was probably ordered through a BX/PX in Japan during occupation then engraved locally.

 

[Dan M]

Thanks very much for helping me out. I would have never guessed work done in Japan but the thought it was ordered though a PX makes some sense. There was a custom walnut stock with the rifle with engraving on the pistol grip cap and the barrel was shortened to remove the front sight screw holes and the muzzle engraved as well. Must have been an officer to afford all the work.
thanks for educating me and taking the time to help me out.
Dan

 

[SamW]

First clue for me was the inlay placed over the floor plate lettering...super grade...something I doubt would ever happen with factory work.