I'm well aware of who Hartman is, thanks. You seem to have a preferred narrative that substantiates the provenance of the rifle as you would like it to be. You're the one who has actually seen the rifle in person. You're the one that is going to be buying it. What ever comments I've made on your post were intended to be helpful, constructive and because I really like these old rifles. If I knew that you already had all the information that you needed I would have simply read the post and moved on. I just hope you understand that not only is this an obviously valuable rifle, it is also one of the most faked types of rifles that there is. Usually, the more valuable the gun or the better the story, the greater the need for discretion (as well as hip boots). I have personally witnessed the handi-work of many gun forgers first hand. Removing post 1986 importation marks, fake rune stamps, cartouche stamps, proof mark stamps. You can actually order fake stamps online or buy them at gun shows. In regards to proof marks stamped on older 1873 receivers that were re-barrel by Winchester, it sure makes it easy for a gun faker; Just scrounge an old receiver and barrel, screw them together, stamp them each with a proof and viola, it is no longer a Frankengun it is now an original Winchester re-barrel. So, if some people are a little skeptical of accepting every story or every gun at face value it is not without reason. Good Luck with your research and I hope it leads you where you want to go.