A fascinating debate so far. I might have missed it, but I cannot remember any serial number being quoted.

I say this because my 6.5 x 54 M. Sch. carbine is serial number 25,680, which is quite late, and it is clearly marked "Made in Germany", so must be post -1938 at least.

However I have never had the courage to take off the woodwork to look for the original proof marks...

HB