Remington 742D Peerless in .280 Remington — Hoping the Society Can Help

[jgraysEFS]

A widow's financial advisor brought in a collection today for us to consign on her behalf. Among the pieces a 1979 Browning SA-22 Grade VI, a Winchester Model 23 20ga XTR, an engraved Smith & Wesson Model 66-1, a Colt Woodsman Match Target, and a Remington Model 742D Peerless in .280 Remington.

Serial 7458535, early-to-mid 1970s manufacture, marked .280 REM. Factory engraved receiver, trigger guard, and grip cap. Magazine is engraved and serial matched to the rifle. Exceptional figured walnut and a Leupold Vari-X mounted. A few photos are attached.
This is where we're hoping the Society can fill in the gaps. We know the D Grade was a Custom Shop product produced in very limited numbers, and that .280 Remington was never a high volume caliber in the 742 line. But we'd love to hear from anyone who has solid production data on D Grade numbers broken down by caliber, or who has encountered another 742D in .280 Remington.
We have not found an engraver signature or stamp anywhere on the receiver. Was that standard practice on D Grade work during this period, or is there somewhere specific we should be looking?
Thanks in advance for any help the Society can offer.
John Gray

JGray's Estate Firearm Services

Tulsa, Oklahoma

[54bullseye]

Beautiful rifle !! I would be interested when you decide on a price. John Taylor Please PM me if you want to sell it.

[54bullseye]

I have been looking in Gene Myszkowski's book on Remington auto loaders and pump rifles and on page 74 he says there were 75 model 742s made in F and D grades. Your serial number is not listed in his random list of engraved 742s. The 30-06 was most common then a splash of 308 win, 280 rem. and the 6mm rem. This list was only a few random high grade 742s in F and D grade rifles so no telling exact numbers of each caliber.
I sent you a PM Thanks !! John Taylor