Carcano,
Yes, I was a little disappointed, but not devastated, I have seen enough such guns (made for the trade and not fully identified) that I understand they were (and are) part of the normal business practice. They are the same quality as if they were marked as to the maker. Another common practice was the use of common parts by known makers, such as safeties, springs, trigger guards, levers, etc. While a lot of these parts were the same, some craftsmen may have used their own unique treatment while shaping and fitting them. As is the same with the craftsmen's "touch marks" there is no listing of known unique shaping or treatment of these parts. Unless a particular treatment is markedly different than the others (such as the escutcheon in question) there is little chance it can be identified. Sometimes though, the maker of one of the trade guns may install one of their normal butt plates. even though a retailer's mark appears on the barrel. This might be a good indication of the maker, unless the butt plate in an obvious (misfitting) replacement. Another hint would be where the gun in question was proofed. Shul makers sometimes traded with Zella Mehlis makers for particular guns, such as the common underlever single shot rifle, and these guns might carry ZM proofs while the ones actually made in Suhl would likely have Suhl proof marks. The 8x57R-360 Drilling I mentioned above has original ZM proof marks (but reproofed in Ulm), so it was likely made by a ZM maker. This is why our hobby is fun and interesting.
Mike
Last edited by Der Ami; 11/21/25 10:30 AM.
