A very important clue would be the answer to the question: Where exactly is the number stamped on this strange upper band? Please, we need a photo! And a frontal close-up of the whole band when it is removed from the rifle.

My thinking: In the first and second photos the left side of that band looks curiously flat. Which indicates that it could be a standard band that has been bent to fit in that curious manner. I.e. basically put onto a mandrel and whacked into shape. If the number is now is on top instead of on the side, or there are signs of such a number having been erased, that would confirm my suspicion.


Patrick