Yes, I see that most of you share the same sentiment as me that the 1950s and before were the high water mark for American manufacturers from everything from firearms to musical equipment (i.e. fender). If I were the CEO of Winchester it would embarrass me every time I heard "pre '64 model 70". The reason that I collect guns is partly because I like shooting them and I want the highest quality piece of equipment available. We collect guns from these periods (and pay premiums for them) not only for the collectability but also for the quality. Their quality is probably why they are collectable in the first place IMHO. The following attachment are two Smiths in my collection that show what I am looking for in collecting.
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