On commercial sporting rifles from England/Europe many times there will be a number stamped into the buttstock often along the toeline of the stock. Here is an example of a description from a Mannlicher Schoenauer rifle that sold at auction over the weekend: "...., the toeline of the stock is stamped ''Y5315'' just to the rear of the factory sling swivel." The number "Y5315" is not the same as the rifle serial number. In addition on a recent purchase of mine, a M1910 M-S rifle in .375 Rimless Express with London proof marks is a serial type number stamped on the toeline near the rear swivel. This number, again, does not match the action serial number.
The question is does anyone know what these added numbers were for? I have heard some conjecture on the subject but wanted to know if anyone could add to the answer concerning this number.
LRF,
During the early days of WW1, the German government put a call out for sporting rifles chambered for 8x57 with mounted scope; to be used as sniper rifles until they could produce sufficient numbers of military sniper rifles. I have one of these rifles and GGCA's "Ask Axel" reported on another. Both of these rifles had the prefix "D" and either 3 (mine) or 4 numbers each of these were also marked with a circle containing a crown and K M (for Kaiserliche Marine). Each one also had a small eagle Imperial acceptance stamp. The ones with "D" prefix were those deemed suitable only for the M88 8x57I (.318) and had a small plate affixed to the stock with a warning "Nur Fuer Patrone Mod 88". This plate has been removed from both the above rifles, leaving 4 filled holes. Those suitable for the "S" patrone (.323) were given a "Z" prefix and the numbers. I'm guessing they didn't have a plate added. Neither of the rifles you cited would fit the Kaiserliche Marine requirement of chambering 8x57 cartridges, but it is entirely possible that other German States( Hesse, Bavaria,etc) or Service branches ( Infantry, Engineers) also used donated rifles that would have different markings and possibly different calibers. The British also used Sporting rifles, early, trying to defeat the steel shields protecting the machine guns. I don't know if or how they were marked. One other such rifle has come to light, but unfortunately the stock markings were removed, leaving only the Imperial acceptance mark. Like you, I would be very interested in other rifles with similar marks, especially if they have the acceptance marks. I would especially be interested in any M88 or Haenel( or Schilling) mod 1900 or 1909 sporters with these markings. I'm not trying to poach your thread, just add to it.
Mike