Thank you all for your input on this topic and special thanks to kuduae for his knowledge of such things, his willingness to share it and his advice is truly appreciated. I'm still a bit in awe, I and the seller had absolutely no idea what we were dealing with. Being somewhat a history buff and addicted to Mausers I can't believe my luck. I realize that about 95% of the original finish is gone but what the heck sometimes you can't have it all but what you have is still significant. Maybe now more will "turn up" --- John303