Digger, sorry about getting back to you late on the "cartouche". I don't think it is Columbian, It seems to be branded in. The thought was it might be a unit marking. If anybody knows please let us know. The stock was so dirty and oiled that I didn't see the mark untill I cleaned it. The rifle was my first, back in '67, it had what was called a "Japaned" finish, witch was black laquered on all but the bolt. I had to start the strip down with paint remover. Under the wood it was still blued but the rest of the finish was gone. Good luck on your now rifle, post some pics.....Frank