Unissued (?) Ross Mk. III 1915

Hello, new to Ross rifles, picked this up at a gun store liquidation auction in a one stoplight town in Indiana. I've never seen one like this, and I wanted to ask some questions.

The bolt retains almost all of it's case coloring on the top and bottom.
Attachment 120345

A shot of the rifle, prior to picking it up.
Attachment 120346

No others markings, and zero sanding - looks like it was stamped yesterday.
Attachment 120347

This is really interesting to me, there is a tag here with '888' on it, and under the wrist of the stock there is a number '618' underneath an 'L' and three small cartouches butting up against the rear of the trigger guard. Any idea on these items???
Attachment 120348


Many thanks!

The metal tag looks like a property tag from a museum which would answer condition. There are the correct basic markings on the stock excluding the later regimental markings.

I have seen the very same tag on a 1903 rifle as well as a Mosin Nagant rifle and currently do not really have any explanation for it. Might indeed once had been a collection or museum inventory tag. But don't bother too much on this, you purchased what appears to be an excellent Ross Rifle, congratulations!

That's a heck of a find. 1915 rifles mostly had hard lives. Usually when seen in that condition they are ex-Home Guard rifles.

No serial number on the chamber area just above the stock edge?

I'd expect the chamber is not reamed and no "E" or "LC" marks stamped on the barrel in that area?

Check it over and try shooting it - you may be very pleasantly surprised.

Watch to ensure the bolt head rotates into battery properly as the bolt is closed.

And pour plenty of boiling water through the barrel (with a funnel) afterwards if you use old .303 ammo.

A museum that closed, de-accessioned, or just walked out the side door after hours?

Usually you'd expect tags like that to be removed if formally de-accessioned, so I'm guessing option one or three. ;)