High Grade Md 63

[Bill,SC]

At a gun show last weekend I saw a Md 63 engraved with a squirrel on one side and---I can't remember what was on the other side.  It appeared to be one of the 1990's repo.  The engraving was clearly done by a machine---my openion.  BUT, the seller claimed it was from the 1930's and was very rare.  His asking price was $8500.  No, I did not buy.  Has anybody had any experience with one of the older 63's with factory engraving?  Could the gun have been an older product?

[Rangr44]

Well........For starters, the 90's repros were made and marked by Miroku, while the earlier, originals were made & marked "Winchester" only - and, yes, some were factory engraved on special order through the Winchester Custom Shop of the day.

IIRC, the later Hi-Grade Browning/Winchester repros (all models) made by Miroku copied original Winchester engraving patterns - so, as long as the buyer knows exactly what a genuine Winchester engraving pattern looks like, they're golden, when checking out an engraved oldie.

.

[Bill,SC]

Thank you!  I should have known to look for the Miroku label.  There was no gold, color or inlay, on the engraving.  The $8000 price tag shocked me.  I know the prices have gone up, but not that much.

[Rangr44]

A genuine, factory engraved example, in pristine condition, can easily bring that kind of money today.

For someboby who wants a gennie, there's no other choice - especially since many refuse to go Oriental.