Exceptional custom Winchester pre-64 Model 70 .375 H&H Magnum, Burgess, Kennedy, Griffiths, five game scenes, exhibition English, banded, quarter rib, unfired

Superlative custom Winchester pre-64 Model 70 .375 H&H Magnum. Crafted a generation ago by a trio of gunmaking legends and acquired directly from the original bespoke owner, serial 276121 stands tall among even the finest examples of American custom gunmaking. METAL: Tom Burgess began by fitting a 22-inch tapering heavy sporter barrel (.700-inch muzzle diameter, Redfield banded front sight with partially-checkered hood, banded sling swivel stud, quarter rib with one fixed and two folding express leafs, base for front ring). A bridge extending the rib and a bookending rear base were created, a new bolt handle (two bordered teardrop panels with raised checkering) added and the tang reshaped. The bolt release button was flattened and checkered. Custom bottom metal was fitted and an elongated diamond forearm escutcheon provides a final elegant touch. At first glance overshadowed by the extraordinary wood and engraving, Burgess’ efforts are the very foundation of this incredible rifle. STOCK: Monty Kennedy wrote the book (literally) on firearm checkering and the pattern he executed on this exhibition grade English blank is of staggering quality. The forearm wrap is accented with stepped borders and bold fleurs which quite naturally draw first attention, but the complexity and flawless blending of the comb line and cheek piece scallop lines into the wrist crowd perfection. Stepping back, the stunning end-to-end figure of the blank itself brings disbelief. Wearing a satin finish, additional formalities include an inletted toe line stud and timed screws. ENGRAVING: Lee Griffiths created five game scenes, each supported by gold wire, French Gray accents and intricate leafy vine. Receiver right presents a striding brown bear, receiver left a lunging polar bear and the grip cap a glowering grizzly bust. The floor plate showcases a bugling bull elk in a forest clearing with a brace of cows in alarming depth and detail. All that is forgotten when looking at the butt plate, for the bull moose standing in mountain pond takes your breath and literally defines what game scene engraving can be at its very best. The supporting pattern continues along the quarter rib, receiver, rings, bolt handle, tang and guard, then reappears on front sight, banded stud, escutcheon, toe line stud and screws. SIGNATURES: Each of the three craftsman’s names are engraved on the barrel and Lee Griffiths name appears a second time over the forward attach screw. The bespoke owner’s initials center the guard. DIMENSIONS: Weight (with rings) is 9.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.75 inches. CAPACITY: Four rounds. The extractor “snaps over” rounds dropped into the chamber. CONDITION: Unfired. The bore is pristine. Metal and wood finishes are each approximately 99 percent with but trace suggestions of careful handling. For whatever reason, the front sight blade is absent. The price is firm and layaway is available. $27,500 plus shipping.