Miller & Val. Greiss Double

[Thomasg]

I currently have a Miller & Val. Greiss double in 8x57JR. Would someone kindly tell me what the stud is for on the bottom of the check piece on the stock?
Also, please check my reading of the proof marks. I take away that the rifle was proofed somewhere between 1893 and 1912?
The butt plate appears to be made of horn. Does anyone know if this is accurate? Buffalo horn?
Thank you,
Tom

[mike ford]

Thomasg,
You seem to have correctly assessed the proof date of your rifle. The buttplate does appear to be made of buffalo horn. With nothing to go on other than the thickness, it might be an "aftermarket" addition to increase "length of pull". The "stud" under the cheekpiece is very unusual and will likely require a "hands on" inspection to discover it's purpose. My initial thought was that it could be the release button to activate a "pop up" cheekpiece", however I could not see a joint, that would normally be visible between the cheekpiece and the rest of the buttstock. It seems to have a screwdriver slot, have you turned it? If not, I suggest you turn it , counter clock wise, a little to see if is simply a screw, holding an old repair.
Mike

[Old No7]

Would someone kindly tell me what the stud is for on the bottom of the check piece on the stock?

Is there anything like a medal or medallion on the other side of the buttstock that the stud could be securing (via a tab)?

Other than what Mike F thought of, that's all I could come up with...

Old No7

[Axel E]

Such studs were used to fasten an add-on cheekpiece/comb riser for scope use. Such attachments came in about as many designs as there were makers. They were snap on, lace on and any other conceiable way of fastening to the buttstock. Made of leather, wood or rubber, with or without metal attachments, they were often fitted to the indiidual stock.

[Thomasg]

Thank you all very much for your time and feedback.
Best,
Tom

[buckstix]

Hello Thomasg

A while back I posted about my Miller Val. Greiss. (see link below) The 4th picture in the second post shows an identical screw tucked under the cheek piece. It has a machine thread, not a wood screw thread, and seemed to do nothing. I had one fellow tell me this was a "blessing hole" where a drop of Holy Water was put into the hole by a Priest to Bless the rifle to protect it and the shooter from harm. ? ? ?

http://www.germanguns.com/upload/sho...amp-Val-Greiss

[Axel E]

I had one fellow tell me this was a "blessing hole" where a drop of Holy Water was put into the hole by a Priest to Bless the rifle to protect it and the shooter from harm. ? ? ?

For this weird speculation I have just one word with "b" and "s"! But that word is not buckstix.

[Thomasg]

I had the chance to shoot this fine arm recently and what great fun!!! Elevation was excellent at 100 yards and I cannot speak to grouping as I did not bench it and as I am approaching 60 neither my hand or eye is that steady any longer but I did get it to print reasonably on paper. Any buck in my sights would have been done. The angle of the stock and the width of the horn plate made this rifle an absolute pleasure to shoot. Thanks to everyone again for your insight and help with this great old rifle.
Tom

[mike ford]

Tom,
I'm glad you enjoy your rifle, it was made to be used. It's good that young lads like yourself are interested in these interesting guns instead of cookie cutter ones.
Mike