Stock Marking?

[painter777]

Seen this early on and thought it was a run of stock oil.
After cleaning the stock I could feel that it's a raised impression.
To me.. it looks like a U with a arc under it.
Almost looks like a horseshoe.
Is It Possible (?) That it's some impression from being clamped for the Band spring hole to be drilled?
Can anyone else see something?
It is on a WRA I Cut Hi-wood, marked under the stock just below where the band band retaining spring runs thru.

Charlie-Painter777

Information

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[USGI]

I can see it, but can only guess as to what it might be. On one of my RSG stocks, there's a couple of dark partial "rings" near the band spring hole on the left side. I caused this somehow from the pressure of the stud on the sling - the fastening washer on the back. On mine, it might have happened while it was in a "Sack-Up" with the weight of another gun against it. Even with a lot of slack in the sling, I doubt that the snap would reach down to where the mark is on yours. And - it looks almost perfectly centered, like it could have been caused by a manufacturing fixture. Is there something in the shipping crates that could cause a mark like that? - Bob

[painter777]

The thing is, it's a raised impression.
I felt it before I seen it. Like I said early on I thought it was a drip/run of RLO.
These things sure can drive one nuts!!



Charlie-painter777

[USGI]

OK, got it now. Your last picture clearly shows that it's raised. Maybe it's like your guess that it was clamped tightly for one of the stock making operations? The machine fixture had a "U" shaped cutout or recess at the bottom, so the rest of the wood was compressed a bit during the clamping operation. I'd buy that theory. Maybe Frank's pictures will show something. It would be awfully easy to sand that off, though. Maybe more proof that it hasn't been monkeyed with. - Bob

[tenOC]

Not sure why up there.
I have some Korean stocks like that after I steel wool and brass brushed them around the cartouches. I probably steamed them too. I was guessing that the steam brings back wood fiber up that wasn't sanded down during someone working on them at some point. Since there's more wood at the depression, it rises proud of the surrounding sanded portion.

[usgicollector]

Charlie,

Does it match the rear of the stud on a sling?

[shadycon]

Charlie; What you have is a VERY RARE variation. It is one of a kind prototype to drive collector into a freanzy to aquire one! GK

[painter777]

USGI-Dave,
After seeing the letter R written on the sides of early RMC stocks, I try to look the un-sanded stocks over as closely as possible.
This mark isn't from a Finial post or snap.
It's not circular, more oval or elongated. Maybe someone will find something similar one day, but even if another similar mark shows up I may never know.
I think the mark is partial, but is uniform in shape.
First thought was a dried run of RLO. Next: started wondering if it could be something as simple as being hung on a gun rack, But the marking has original finish over it, with no scars.
Just guessing but I do believe it's very possible the impression was made from some type of clamping during a milling/shaping procedure.
Or like USGI Bob stated, some impression from being crated...
Just wanted to share it with all.
Plenty more mysteries out there........... Maybe someday we'll see this again.

Appreciate the interest,
Charlie-painter777

[Hooks]

Since these things were military issue I am thinking it might have gotten there in a shipping crate or maybe something heavy dropped on the stock by a careless solder that wasn’t too concerned about the appearance of the rifle.

[gew8805]

Not sure why up there.
I have some Korean stocks like that after I steel wool and brass brushed them around the cartouches. I probably steamed them too. I was guessing that the steam brings back wood fiber up that wasn't sanded down during someone working on them at some point. Since there's more wood at the depression, it rises proud of the surrounding sanded portion.

I have no idea what the stamped mark is from, but tenOC is exactly correct. It is not uncommon to see an impressed stamp rise above the surface of the wood after refinishing or adding too much oil; the wood was compressed and, after re-hydration it swells and the wood that was not sanded or scraped rises back to it's original level making the formerly intaglio mark reverse and seem to "stand proud" of the surface.