ESOTERIC

Thank you for posting the extra photos of the proof mark.

The Lancaster certainly has superb wood. Is the Lancaster marked with a separate serial number that may have been applied by Lancaster? If so some Lancaster records are available and it may be possible to get some info on the original purchaser.

If you have any luck in finding out the details of whom the Pape was sold to (see my earlier post) I would be most keen to hear about it.

As to the crossed pennant proof mark. I am now in two minds about this. I have posted the mark on the German Gun Collectors Association forum, under the Gun and Proof Marks section. It appears that this may be a factory inspectors mark and not a British military proof mark - even though it is identical to that. If you check out the forum you can come to your own view. Personally I am sitting on the fence until further information comes forward...

Regards

AlanD
Sydney