Winchester model 70 serial #51xxx value?

Mint condition model 70 in prewar configuration.Serial # 51XXX Only one tiny dent to stock Cosmoline still in the barrel and action. Some sites say it was manufactured in 1946 according to it's serial number but it fails the transition test.Transition models start with serial # of 60,500, It has no holes drilled on the rear bridge has the 90 degree bend at the base of the bolt handle, the receiver is flat on the top,it has holes drilled and tapped for a side mounter peep sight if one was desired one, etc, etc.. Blue Book of Values has no serial # provision as far as I can tell for this rifle. It is configured as a prewar rifle. Any info anyone can share? I'm not selling this rifle.

Thanks
Sirdutch

hello ,,i'm not a md 70 collector but can say from experiance at a gun shop and selling a few online for the shop there a hard item to predict the values they might get at a good auction,,from what you've listed it sounds like you've done your homework on this one ,,my blue book gives the same year of production as you have been told as 1946 ,,i know from looking at them at gunshows any pre 64 md 70 will bring at least 1000 bucks and nice early ones like yours can acheive 1500 and up easily to the right collector or at a good auction,,it's definatly a good investment as they don't go down in price and odd features usually raise the eyebrows on the collectors market,,,,thats just my 2 cents worth and again i'm just going on book and online auction experience..mabey some md 70 collectors will chime in here..
bigcurt