The "Caveman" with a "staff" next to the serial number is either for the tubes being completed at the Sauer plant or the fitting at the Sauer plant. There looks to be a set of initials on the left tube ahead of the flats next to the lower rib just below the "Caveman" with a "staff". Can you read them with a glass? I'm curious if ahead of the serial number on the tubes toward the muzzle if there is the mark of an Imperial Eagle and "Crown" over "S"? I think early on after the 1893 prooflaws that bundles of tubes were proofed and then later, after being assembled, they were proofed again. The "Crown" over "S"(shot) coupled with the "Crown" over "B" note the right tube experiencing only a final proof in a completed state, accepting full responsibility for the end results of proof, but with the charge and load of the preliminary proof(3 times the powder charge and double the shot charge). The "Crown" over "U"(inspected) must accompany the "Crown" over "B". On the left tube the "Crown" over "B" coupled with the "Crown" over "W"(Wurgebohrung-choke) notes the tube underwent 2 proofs, what they were I can't say for sure. And then the "Crown" over "U" notes inspection and sometimes definitive proof when alone or with an Imperial Eagle. The gauge designation in a circle denotes 65mm chambers and possibly black powder proof post 1912?? And beside that is the vulgar fractions. The other larger crowns are from the Sauer plant and note quality and performance.
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
