Marking on Cocking Piece

Other than the last two digits of the SN, what would be the purpose of stamping "57" into the back of the cocking piece?
Attachment 52924

I don't know a lot about the 1903 rifle - but that does not look like any kind of military marking. I have seen this pre WW2 marking on the cocking piece (photo)Attachment 52934

Looks like a Heinz 57 to me :madsmile:

Other than the last 2 digits of the original rifle serial number, there is no purpose.
But where has it been? Someone in a small foreign armory/ROTC/cadet, etc, may have stamped the last 2 digits to keep the bolt matched to the weapon when they were dis-assembled for cleaning. Not std US mil procedure, but who says it's US?

Thanks for the replies. I have not seen any markings like this before. Just one of those mysteries that keeps bugging me.

Your armourers were really territorial about their work, so this may be his way of identifying his fine work on the rifle, and is repeated on other like rifles out there. Its well struck with purpose so he didn't intend it to wear out quickly

location marking..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chuckindenver

location marking..

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Does that mean that the "57" is a code for an armorer's location?

could be a rack location, locker location..could be a number of things...
the second picture shows a drawing number on a cocking rod. post 1935..
rather then high jack a thread,...maybe start a new post on your part??

---------- Post added at 06:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 AM ----------

could be a rack location, locker location..could be a number of things...
could just be rifle number 57 in a log book.
the second picture shows a drawing number on a cocking rod. post 1935..
rather then high jack a thread,...maybe start a new post on your part??