Early T/C Contender action identification

[lino]

I have inherited a 4 digest serial number Contender action. The left side is etched with a jack rabbit and the right side with a coyote howling at the moon. Both figures surrounded by filigree. Appears to be factory done. Would appreciate any thoughts about this. Thanks

[M-Tecs]

Haven't heard of those engravings. Sounds like it could be an NRA Centennial but a 4 digit serial number would be wrong unless the NRA version used their own series of serial numbers.

https://gundigest.com/more/classic-guns/classic-guns-thompson-center-contender

3. The NRA Contender

“In 1971, when the National Rifle Association hit its century mark, gunmakers across the country vied for the honor of producing the official NRA Centennial Commemorative Handguns. Thompson-Center got into the race, and ran a small series of specially engraved and gold-inlaid NRA Commemorative guns. There was a production holdup, however, and Warren Center told me sadly that by the time he got one ready for NRA to look at, they had already given the honor to Colt. Four or five NRA Commemorative Contenders were completed.”

[dannyd]

These guys maybe able to help.

http://thompsoncenterassociation.org/index.html

[racepres]

Never seen one of those, and I have got, seen, held, plenty of "early" Contenders.. still may have a couple..
Wonders if TC did special Runs back then??? They sure used to be Accommodating... Miss them Dearly
Now that I have looked about a bit... They even offered Frames with Nothing on the sides... to Places like JDJ... Prolly Not me and you

One more edit.. Wiki don't even know about the Early Hammers that selected the firing pin with a Screwdriver.. Custom made serial numbers generally had the Customer "Mark" with serial number,.. starting with 0, if that is what was desired.. No Other "marks on Frames from TC regular production... Hoping yours has the early Screwdriver selector on the hammer!!! Otherwise... Gonna be Tough as Later they went to the Side selector, then top... or Vice-verse

[stubshaft]

I have had a number of Contenders over the years but have never seen or heard of the one that you described. Would you please post some pics of it.

[Shawlerbrook]

Ditto pictures

[JimB..]

I’ve seen plain, the various cougars, and even an eagle, but not either a coyote or a bunny. I have a vague recollection of a howling wolf, but not 100%.
Would love to see pics.

[high standard 40]

According to some data I've seen, Contenders were first made in 1967 and four digit serial numbers ended in 1969. the last 1967 number was#2250, last 1968 number was #4330, and the last number of 1969 was 11075. So your example is a very early one.

[7br]

I think you must have one of the early contenders underwritten by Warner Brothers and distributed by the Acme Company. In all seriousness, I haven't seen one like that either.

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[Kylongrifle32]

It is probably a factory flat sided frame that was engraved but a gunsmith or meta l finisher. Gary Reeder does some nice work on his barrels and I have seen one flat sided frame with his engraving work.

[lino]

Thanks for the comments fellows. I have pictures but haven’t been able to figure out how to post them.Did talk to an elderly retired gunsmith who thought that when T/C made the plain flat side actions you could request a custom etching on them. Perhaps that’s what happened to this action. Still searching for something concrete.