Marks of Mystery #1

I'm trying to identify some markings found on the receiver ring and wrist of a 1943 Savage No.4 Mk I*. The mark is somewhat similar to the 5-pointed star-with-a-squiggle (see #1, below) identified in Hoffman & Schott's "Handbook of Military Rifle Marks 1866-1950", pg.33), as INDONESIA - but it's not the same - it's an "M" within a five-pointed star.

Attachment 118198Attachment 118199

Any information you might have would be greatly appreciated. Extra marks if you can point to books, documents, websites or other sources of information.

Enfield-Stuff

If you look at it the 'other way up' could it possibly be a W in the star ?

The second mark upside down would be a common Weedon inspection mark.

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Originally Posted by Alan de Enfield

If you look at it the 'other way up' could it possibly be a W in the star ?

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Thank you for your note. In theory, while all things are possible, in reality, some are less likely than others. I understand that there are some who will argue that the five-pointed star was routinely turned upside down (point down) and that the "M" is, in fact, a "W". Occam's Razor: the simplest answer usually prevails. My money is on the "M". Additionally, the letter has some serifs - embellishments - that to my jaundiced eyes, belong on the foot.

Attachment 118206

The problem is, almost 100 years after the fact, we don't have nearly enough archive documents to answer the thousand-and-one questions about minutia that collectors live for. Of course, that lack of documents didn't stop theologians arguing about the number of angels atop the head of a pin - and I really don't want to head down that path. I'm a documents guy.

I could be wrong. It would not be the first time. Just ask my wife.

Again, thank you for your note. I always look forward to your thoughtful comments.

Enfield-Stuff

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thunderbox

The second mark upside down would be a common Weedon inspection mark.

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Thank you for your note. Could you point me to a book or website or other collection of Weedon marks? I'm a documents kind-of-guy. I'm not finding that mark in any of my sources. (Might be time for new glasses, anyway.)

Thank you!

Enfield-Stuff