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This brings me to the somewhat enigmatic "T in a circle" proof mark on the action and barrel. It signifies "Tiegelgussstahl" (crucible steel) and is said to date post WWI. However the only reference to post WWI and this mark that I can find is that it began use on Czech production guns post WWI.
I cannot find any source that mentions actual starting date of usage by Austria; however as this rifle is a Model 1903 with an action dated 1909 and is stamped with the “T in a circle” it seems clear that the mark was in use well before WWI.

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Until now I have seen that enigmatic „T in circle” mark only on military production Mannlichers and Mannlicher – Schoenauers, never on rifles from Steyr civilian sporting rifle production. Some examples:
On an early Jeffery Mannlicher, receiver ring marked “Md.1892”, left receiver wall dated “Steyr 1893”


On a M1896 Portuguese military military carbine, dated “Steyr 1898”, next to the same eagle mark
A 1895 action sporterised by Gibbs, Bristol, dated “Steyr 1899”
My M 1900 sporterised by Gibbs, dated “Steyr 1901”, on barrel only
My M1903 Gibbs M – Sch on Greek military action, “Steyr 1905”, barrel only
Scarlata’s book shows it on a M1904 Mannlicher Export rifle in 8x57, with eagle on receiver rail
I don’t believe in that “Tiegelgussstahl” explanation. If you look at the “T” closely, it may be two Ls back to back as well. I rather believe it to be a Steyr factory internal inspection mark, used on their military rifles built for export.

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