lancaster, sorry to hear that your gunsmith had a heart attack. Here's wishing him a speedy recovery.
Somehow going through all the trials and tribulations will look like a bump in the road when you finally get to shoot your rifle. Interesting snake skin. I live in Louisiana and we do get some big snakes here. I have a shed out back where I keep the gardening tools,opened it up and a water moccasin must have went there to shed his skin. Good thing he wasn't there. They are poisinous and the nearest hospital is about 30 minutes away. That skin looks to have come from a rather large snake.
Keep the faith and hopefully one day soon we will all share with you your 9.3x53R moisin rifle. Regards, Frank