MPD, thanks for the link. I've been studying the cartouche, and if yours is genuine, then mine is too. EVERYTHING about it is identical...spacing between the letters, proportions of letters compared to the ordnance wheel, details of the wheel, position of the periods between the letters, how the rectangle fits around the entire mess.

The photo I posted wasn't the best, had light from the side and probably had the wood at a slight angle to the lens. I can see how someone would look at the photo and wonder. But sitting here looking at the cartouche under a strong light and comparing it to yours, there is simply no difference other than the worn spot / lighter strike on the right side compared to the left side on mine.

And for all who posted, THANK YOU. This newcomer is grateful and thankful that there are so many who are willing to help.

Finally, are there any tips for how I can fill in a couple of cracks in the stock on the right hand side in the receiver area? I tried compression but one doesn't move and the other moves slightly, so I'm thinking someone tried to fix these long ago but whatever they used to fill the cracks partially fell out.