Kuduae,Thank You for the reply, I had always wondered why the proof was changed. I have a couple more questions for you. First let me say, I'm not in any way disagreeing with anything you posted. You mentioned the action on my rifle was a pre 1901 action made by Spandau Arsenal. What did you see to determine the date as pre 1901 and the maker as Spandau? Is the bolt handle original to the bolt or did Collath change it? It has the same Crown-Crown/N proof on the top and bottom of the bolt shank that is on the bottom of the receiver ring and barrel. The bolt handle looks simular to those on the early Mauser military carbines, but I've not compared them up close. Also do you know what the markings on the bottom of the barrel mean? Thank You very much for your help.