M1903A4 original finish?

[Promo]

Took the chance and purchased my now fourth M1903A4 on Monday since it was offered for an incredible price of € 1200 (roughly $ 1560).

Was wondering if the finish on the rifle was original, or not. Magazine guard, bolt and magazine cutoff are blued while the rest is parkerized. Barrel date is 3-44 what AFAIK would not be correct for the S/N range the rifle is in. Could this be that this had been changed in the arsenal, since the stock bears an arsenal cartouche?

Secondly, the rifle is equipped with a Weaver M73B1 marked scope. It's the first time I've seen this scope with a six digit S/N already factory engraved and not electropenciled as usual. When did they change this?

ATB,

Georg

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