C96 value?

[alvin]

Originally Posted by saab-bob

What is the 6 pointed star stamping on the bottom of the barrel signify?

Only factory record can answer it accurately. I don't know. I guess it signifies an inspection step in barrel making. After major parts were made, they must be inspected for some key parameters before being sent to final assembly line for parts fitting (headspace? rifling? front sight height? God knows). There is an Imperial Acceptance Stamp on the right side of the chamber, but that's "final examination", long before the whole gun reached to that stage, I assume there were many "quizzes" along the way on major parts manufacturing, so defects on individual parts could be found and corrected early. Comparing with other parts, barrel markings are busy, due to it's the most important component on the gun directly affecting performance.

Just a guesstimation. Mauro and Vlim had Mauser document. They probably can offer more information on Mauser's manufacturing and QA process.