Originally manufactured in 1951 and subsequently customized by Griffin & Howe of New York. The sightless barrel is marked "No. 2708 GRIFFIN & HOWE INC. NEW YORK" on top between the breech and banded sling swivel eye. Standard Winchester maker and serial number markings on the receiver with Redfield swivel scope bases, Leupold 2x7 Vari-X II scope, jewelled bolt, extractor, follower, and receiver rail, and engraved and knurled bolt handle knob. Extra fancy fiddle back English walnut stock with multi-point checkering, ebony forend cap, blue steel grip cap, raised cheekpiece, and checkered steel buttplate. An accompanying Champlin Firearms Inc. receipt (copy) lists several Griffin & Howe custom rifle including this Model 70 as being purchased in January 1987 by Albert Joseph of Des Plaines, Illinois. Albert Joseph (1920-2008) was the president of Hunter Publishing Co. in Des Plaines and, as eloquently stated in his obituary, "a prime force behind the rise of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee." Born to Lebanese immigrants, Joseph's life was "a classic rag-to-riches tale." He was a poverty stricken Great Depression child who worked hard and ultimately bought and successfully ran a publishing company. He was a passionate philanthropist involved with multiple charities and social organizations, conservationist and big game hunter who pursued game in Africa, Mongolia, Tibet, Russia, Alaska, Spain, Canada and throughout the U.S.

Very fine as custom built and finished by Griffin & Howe. 99% bright polished blue finish remains with brilliant jewelling, light handling marks, and a small trace of spotting on the grip cap edges. The stock is also very fine with attractive color and grain, sharp checkering, and some small dings. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very good with some small dings and clear optics.