Introduced in 1981 after the takeover by the U.S. Repeating Arms Company (U.S.R.A.C.), this Model 70 XTR Featherweight rifle was presented to Thomas Press by the U.S.R.A.C. In 1981, U.S.R.A.C. was formed by Winchester employees who purchased the rights to manufacture Winchester brand firearms, but in 1989 the employee organized corporation filled for bankruptcy. Thomas Press was the son of Carl Press, the German industrialist and businessman who purchased numerous firearms from the Winchester factory collection and complied an in depth private firearms collection. The factory presented the Press family with two Winchester Model 70s as an expression of appreciation for the Press' business. One was presented to Carl, and the other rifle was presented to Thomas. This Model 70 was presented to Thomas. The right side of the buttstock has a brass presentation plaque that reads, "'PAIR OF GUNS'/'TO A GREAT PAIR'/CARL AND THOMAS PRESS/FROM/U.S. REPEATING ARMS COMPANY/MARCH 31, 1969." March 31, 1969, likely references Thomas' birthday. The receiver has an inscription that reads, "TO THOMAS PRESS/FROM U.S.R.A.C." The barrel was manufactured without sights, and the receiver is factory drilled and tapped for scope mounting. Jewelled follower and bolt, bolt numbered to the gun, standard Winchester barrel legend, and highly figured and fleur-de-lis checkered pistol grip stock featuring contrasting forend tip and grip cap, leather buttpad with plastic spacer and cheekpiece.

Excellent. The rifle retains 99% plus original blue finish showing the slightest handling marks. The stock is also excellent showing the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent.