Bill and Dave, thanks for the observations.

Overall I think that Mauser quality control was remarkable, particularly as the years moved on into the war.

I wonder if labor organization in Oberndorf is documented. The skill levels and pay grades of the different workers assigned to various tasks. I'll check the books.

Marc

these guys were building weapons, not collectibles.......
 

...

I saw the same things that Jeffrey saw, different font for the "3" and "0". Also, the font for the "8" is different. I'm an Imperial Luger guy, so don't know if there is any worry here or not on this TR piece.
I also noticed the front of the receiver overhangs the frame nose several thousandths of an inch. Normally these should be flush with each other. I'll allow that this could be the angle of the photo.
For an Imperial guy, this has been a very educational thread. Thanks for starting it.
Bob