I put the bullet in the case so that the OAL is 3.25. Next I took a 308 bullet and wrapped it with thin plastic so it loosely fit into the neck of a 8x57 mauser case, but not so loose that it slides out by its own weight. Then I opened the bolt and made sure the case was extracted then ejected. It closed with just the right amount of pressure. I inserted a blank 8x57 mauser case into the chamber and closed the bolt. I ordered and received a complete replacement bolt including a bolt head. Literally everything you want to know but were afraid to ask. I recommend this book for more information about the Commission Rifles. I don't think the stock marking are German in origin. Many Unit markings are still to be deciphered. Most of what we know comes from rifles that have been brought into the US and studied mostly from Ecuador and Turkey. There is not a lot of German records around now days. Some Gew88's were still in some depots during WWII and used by the Volkssturm units. Again so more Gew98's could be used on the fronts. During WW1 Gew88's were used for home guard units, Reserve units and depot guardsmen units. In 1905 Gew88's were used as a secondary standard rifles until enough Gew98 rifles could be made. Many rifles would be reassigned and remarked with new unit information during the service like of the rifle. Everything came apart very easily, and there was no gunk or rust on any of the internal parts. I field stripped the rifle yesterday, separating the stock, trigger group, barrel, and barrel shroud. How about the '8H' and 'V' (or 'H8' and upside down 'V' )in the last photo of post #2? = 6th 'Reserve Infantry' (per the link you included)? what is the 1st 'B'? Any idea what the markings mean in the 4th photo of post #1? it says 'B.6.R.R.4.78.' the 1st R is in italic.

German mauser gewehr 98 half moon