31 is not marked anywhere else on the rifle. All parts are marked with the last 2 or 3 digets of the Serial number. I looked the barrel over under a 10x and could not find a serial number. I think the feedback i have recieved that this is a re barrel is correct if I am to understand that the reciever by S/N predates the barrel.
I really have no knowledge of Mausers but find after doing some reseach that there may be a possibility that the owner in Germany might have had it rebarreled in order to meet the requirements of the Treaty of Versailles? Hense the 8x60 mm. Just a therory but if a rifle was to be in compliance it could not me a military caliber if I understand correctly. Raimey here is another picture I think the marks in the picture is due to the lighting and nicks.
