Claven 2
in post #7 you said the rifle went through an Australianicon FTR. The Aussies didn't stamp FTR on the rifles at that period in time i presumed you read the stamps that tell us this, what happened and when.
I have many Mk 111s that have been upgraded to Mk111* just like yours others have Mk111* furniture fitted when done again at a later date. The stamps on the Butt tell the story even if the Butt is replaced the story continues from that time just losing what happened before.
I have 1913 Mk111 as it left Lithgow old tired and beaten. another that had an upgrade like yours to Mk111*, and another that looks almost new from the last trip through the Factory. Guess which one is No1 from the three and which one is last in my favourite list. They are as they left service correct not molested or prettied up just service correct.
You are correct the rifle is yours to do with as you please. You are the guardian of a piece of Australian history as it left service. What would your reaction be if it was me doing a similar job on a piece of rare American rifle history.