Rothhammer (amongst others) here is a huge MS fan, so if he doesn't chime in soon give him a PM.

Hello, Conor, and welcome to the discussions.

To 'answer' your specific questions first;

The M1952, also referred to as 'Model GK', was offered for about two decades and I really don't know if the bolts were all 'bright' or if some were factory blued over that period of time. Ebony tips were listed in several catalog images of the 1952 / GK, but I don't know if your rosewood tip would be a factory installed option or an 'aftermarket' adaptation. Steyr was known to be very accommodating but I believe special orders of that period were generally designated 'Model NO'.

There are other NE members who could provide you with more detailed answers regarding such models and options of the 'postwar' years, particularly member Kuduae whose information has been very complete and reliable.

As 9.3X64 indicated, and you likely know from having viewed previous NE posts, I am indeed quite a 'fan' of der Mannlicher Schoenauer. Though most of my interest / knowledge is focused on the 'prewar' (prior to WW2) models, I'd be glad to share some general information and images of the Model 1952 (GK), hopefully in a sensible order.

A very brief review of the 'prewar' MS may serve as a logical preface:

The Mannlicher Schoenauer was introduced by Oesterr. Waffenfabr. Ges Steyr at the 1900 Paris Worlds Fair in effort to garner interest among ordnance departments and armorers of the world with the goal of obtaining lucrative military contracts.

These 'M1900' models, with a unique and proprietary chambering of 6.5X54 MS, had actions and overall designs refined from previous and successful works of Ritter Ferdinand von Mannlicher with a unique rotary magazine by Steyr engineer Otto Schoenauer. The finely crafted arms appealed to some of the best known 'bespoke' English and Continental gunsmiths of the time who acquired some of these prototype and early production examples which were modified and offered to their clients in the form of fine sporting rifles.

In 1905 production began on the only significant military contract awarded the MS, that of the 'Greek Contract' Y1903, which would continue over the next three decades with Models Y1903/14, Y1903/27, System 1930, and variants of the aforementioned models.

Steyr also offered to gentleman sportsmen and professional hunters the M1903 model, also in 6.5X54, in fine sporting rifle, stutzen (full stocked carbine) and special take down versions of a system that had been employed by Westley Richards.

Alongside the M1903 was offered the M1905 in the same configurations but with another exclusive and proprietary chambering, that of the 9X56 MS. Continuing on this trend, models of M1908 and M1910 were introduced in the corresponding years and with their own proprietary chamberings of 8X56 MS and 9.5X57 MS, respectively, followed by the M1924 (Sequoia) which had a longer receiver and was chambered exclusively for the 'U.S. 1906 Cartridge' (.30-'06).

The longer receiver and addition of 'guide rings' to the Schoenauer magazine allowed for a variety of cartridges / chamberings to be offered in the same model unlike previous models which had been cartridge specific. This resulted in the 'High Velocity' offerings which have become known to collectors as 'M1925', though none were so marked by Steyr on the receiver ring.

All models from M1903 through 'High Velocity' were available through the Second World War though production was significantly curtailed during the Anchluss period of 1938 - 45, tapering to a halt by war's end.

Pages 50 and 51 of the 1939 Stoeger Catalog, which designated models only as 'Carbine', 'High Velocity Rifle', and 'Take Down Model'.

Here are some Stoeger catalog images of the 'postwar' period:

Production resumed with Model of 1950, available in a variety of chamberings, which was essentially a continuation of the 'High Velocity' but with a few revisions. Gone was the trap door steel buttplate, Take Down Model, options such as folding peep sight, removable horn grip cap. Added was a 'shotgun style' safety.

Model of 1952 Carbines (from 1954 Stoeger)

Detail of above
Removal of 'loading ears' meant that loading by use of 'stripper clips' was no longer an option.