Missing Austrian proofs on M-S

[robinpeck]

A Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifle of mine is a 1908 8mm quick-takedown model with full British proofmarks on the receiver/barrel but no Austrian proofmarks or ledger numbers of any kind, above or below the woodline...the receiver top and the left side of the action have the standard M-S stampings. Any thoughts?

[ellenbr]

Sounds like a War Trophy? Let's see some images. To when do the Brit touch marks date?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

[robinpeck]

[robinpeck]

[Axel E]

As Steyr numered each model/caliber in a seperate series, #213 on a M1908 must be a very early one. The European proof laws require a gun to be proofed before a gunmaker, even a country gunsmith, releases it to the public. In fact, the last gunsmith in the chain factory-wholesaler-retailer is responsible for any gun he sells to a hunter bearing valid proofmarks. It is simply convenient that guns destined for the domestic market is proofed right at the factory, but not mandatory. Transferring unproofed guns or parts in any state of completion between bonafide gunsmithes does not require proof, as that gunsmith maybe intends to make alterations such as rechambering to a proprietary cartridge that would require reproof anyhow. So this rifle was probably sold directly to a British gunmaker. As GB did not accept any foreign proofs until the 1960s, the rifle had to be proofed in England. So the fees for the Vienna proofhouse were saved.