Found an early Mauser sporter by Rob. Schlegelmilch, Suhl. A M-98 Mauser, paneled and keyed stock, double-set, oct/round ribbed, horn butt, schnable tip, round knob grip and it's all in pieces & parts (I'm touching bluing at this moment). Here's the marks:
This last being an enlargement of a stylized K and looking like some kind of maker's (barrel) mark?!?
I know the 7.7 is the bore (slugs about .320"), the R.S. is probably Schleglemilch's mark, the 480 is an assembly number on most all parts, and the crown N is nitro. What I don't know is the E.W., The I, or the K.
I assume this is pre WWI? Any ideas?
BTW, I've got G. Wirnsberger's Standard Directory of Proof Marks, is there another book I should have? There were some good proof marks articles in Gun Digest, but I don't remember the years?
I post pics of the rifle sometime next week.
Thanks to all!
Steve
