Introduced in 1950, the Model 870 in many ways defined the pump action shotgun for the remainder of the 20th Century, and to this day remains an excellent choice for both sporting and martial purposes. The F, or Premier, grade was the highest offered by Remington, with each one hand fitted by master gunsmiths, and extensively engraved. Information provided by James Tipton, noted Remington collector, identifies the engraver as Robert P. Runge, a former Parker Brothers engraver who signed on with Remington circa 1934. White front and nickel mid beads on the vent rib, with a full choke, the two line address on the right side of the barrel, and the 2 3/4 inch chamber markings on the reverse. A 4 1/4" wedge of scroll engraving with textured background is present on each side of the breech, terminating with a leaf border pattern. The model and serial number markings are hand engraved on the underside of the receiver, which shows over 97% coverage of fine scrollwork, with textured backgrounds, leafy vine border designs, floral patterns on the trigger guard retention pins, a dog's head on the underside of the trigger guard, and additional scrollwork on the bolt and release lever. Each side shows a multi-panel game scene; a lake scene on the left, with a duck in flight in the left panel, 2 dogs in the center and a pheasant in flight on the right, and the right side has a scene of rolling hills, with game birds in flight in the side panels and two dogs in the center. A small rock in the dog panel on the left side is inscribed "RPR/ 78". Fitted with a high grade English profile walnut stock, featuring sharp checkering on the extended beavertail forearm and straight English wrist, integrating curved and sharply angled border lines, a slightly raised comb, an untouched gold inscription panel on the underside, 14 1/4" pull and a Pachmayr Presentation Model solid recoil pad.