Manufactured in 1946 in .220 Swift (approximately 20,000 were produced in this caliber) during the transition period (late 1945-51). This period saw an increase in yearly production to satisfy the growing demand for the Model 70 and featured a new safety designed to accommodate the installation of telescopic sights without interference. This example has been factory engraved and gold inlaid by Master Engraver Alden George Ulrich (September 15, 1888-October 18, 1949). The rifle is pictured and described in Dean Whitaker's book "The Model 70 Winchester, 1937-1964." This rifle is one in a series of Model 70s depicted in Dean Whitaker's book (see pages 108-112) that were commissioned by Dr. Russell C. Smith and were specifically designed and executed to highlight different animal hunting groups. These rifles are basically identically in their overall configuration in that they have approximately 60-75% of their exposed metal surfaces engraved with a very nice and delicate English scroll engraving that was executed by the Winchester Master Engraver Alden George Ulrich. The scroll engraving covers the receiver, rear and front barrel sections, floor plate, grip cap, trigger guard, buttplate, scope mount and scope rings. Gold inlaid borders with scrolls are featured on the receiver, barrel breech and floor plate. Gold inlaid game scenes are featured on the receiver and floor plate. The right side of the receiver has a wolf head. The left side of the receiver has a cougar in a tree. The floor plate has a pair of pronghorns in a desert scene. The trigger guard has gold inlaid initials of Dr. Russell C. Smith: "RCS." The rifle features a transition type safety, cloverleaf receiver tang, jeweled bolt number to the gun with checkered bolt knob, jeweled follower, blued extractor, gold trigger, ramp front sight base with provisions for a hood (engraved filler block in the sight slot) and engraved filler block in the rear sight dovetail slot. It is equipped with an all-weather Lyman Alaskan fixed power scope (2 1/2 power). The highly figured straight comb pistol grip walnut stock features a fine beautifully hand checkered fleur-de-lis pattern, a cheekpiece, engraved sling swivel mounts with Super Grade style quick release sling swivels, ebony forend cap and checkered steel buttplate. A copy of Whitaker's book is included. Provenance: The Lou Leonard Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Excellent. 99% plus overall with extremely limited minor handling marks on the stock. The scope has excellent optics. Mechanically excellent. Truly the highest grade of a Winchester bolt action rifle engraved and gold inlaid by factory Master Engraver Alden George Ulrich that would be the centerpiece to the most advanced Model 70 collection!