I began stripping the paint off the stock of a M1898 and was pleased to see a cartouche and proof mark emerge from under cover. The cartouche is, I believe, a boxed ILA 1903, which matches the rifle's year of production. It appears the stock was lightly sanded or the marks, particularly the P, were lightly struck. Above the P is what I take to be an E or F.

The rest of the rifle is encrusted with grime and it will take a week or two to soak & clean the metal.

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