Thanks for the lesson, John and for taking the time to tell us. Very fine rifles they are, their simplicity shows great character.
I'm presuming you have Shelhamer rifles with his mark as well? I've only seen the one Krag with his stamp under the buttplate but have often heard that the stamp might be in the barrel channel. No argument with your identifiers or opinion but I must say that there is no substitute for a maker's hallmark being the last word.
I too wish you had more photos of the details you describe.
