I recently purchased a DWM 1893 model factory sporter in 7x57. This was discovered at Ron Peterson's gun shop in Albuquerque, NM. Hopefully my first photos will generate some additional information for comment.
The rifle has commercial proofs on the left front of the receiver and bolt handle. The bolt is the "round faced" type found on the 1895 and has the full length guide rail on the left receiver interior wall. Noteworthy is the thumb cut relief for stripper clip use and double-set triggers. Only major parts have a serial number; a tiny "57". The bolt, shroud, stock, butt plate, trigger assembly received the mark. The receiver ring is also marked 57; but on the bottom of the ring.
The rifle was used pretty hard and has been rebarreled at some time in its career with a spare military parts barrel. There are no proof marks of any kind, military or commercial on the barrel. It is only marked with a "7mm" about 6" forward of the receiver. The military barrel contour fits the original inletting very well. Sadly, the original sights and sling swivel were not re-installed. The owner elected to use a Williams aluminum receiver sight and front ramp. I've found a better looking steel Lyman SME to use instead. Headspace is excellent. The bore is a tight .2845 thru the grooves and has 6 lands/grooves!
I had corresponded previously with Mike Petrov on a DWM "Spitzer-Bullet" model 98. The 1893 has Oberndorf style raised panels and a cheekpiece, which the later rifle doesn't. However, the overall styling and checkering coverage on both is so similar it could have been done by the same craftsman.
Sorry, but it now appears I'll have to add the pix later.
