jim, i was given that info by the seller. doing a little research i couldn't find any association between that marking and Case. that's why i posted here. i'm a newbie to carbines but i also know the seller is a good guy so i wanted to be sure before i said anything to him. i was hoping it was an early leather grip version, oh well.
thanks for all the very helpfull info.
frank
p.s. that's an amazing collection of bayonets!