Well done Mike, that is a beauty of a rifle. I love the William Evans rifles, always something special I recon. I have three 256 Mannlichers and I love them, one of the nicest rifles to own, at least IMO.

One is a Jeffery and has proof marks that are similar but there are additional marks and the "Nitro Proofed" is upside down like most other British proof marks.

Another is a trade rifle but made by Gibbs and has the same markings as yours except the "Nitro Proofed" is further down the barrel but the right way up.

The third rifle is also a trade rifle and very similar to yours although the sights are different and the grip is rounded with no grip cap. The proof marks however are identical to yours with exactly the same marks and in exactly the same position as yours.

Great rifle, I would love to see some more photos especially of the sights and the grip cap etc.

Matt.