white stamps

[aschatzl]

Got a question, did mosin and other rifles come with the crest and stamps colored white? or is that something people have added? One of my mosin looked like it was colored when I received it. But when I cleaned the cosmoline off it came off to.

[Blicero]

It's an enhancement to help show the stamps in photos in auctions or adverts.

A lot of collectors hate it. That white grease can conceal the depth of stamps or anything that might be stamped underneath it. Basically, it's used by frauds to turn a 200$ rifle into a $1200 one.

[aschatzl]

Got it. I did not know that was something to look for. All of the rifles I've bought have be covered in cosmoline.

[Blicero]

It's just something that rubs people wrong if they're looking at a high end collectible piece.
For your average Mosin, it shouldn't be a cause for concern. It's just someone trying to highlight the markings. I have heard of fake SA/Finnish stamps though.

[Greasemonkey]

Just to throw it out there, there are some that will have orange paint on the markings, this was done in Russia. Typically the rear sight blade elevation marks will be in a dark orange color. Even some barrel shank.stamps will have the orange as well, what it means is anyones guess.

[aschatzl]

When I received my m44 it looked to have them colored. not a bright white but kind of orange white. I thought it was dried cosmline. But when I cleaned it out it did not come off like cosmoline. weird

[Greatguns]

The smart guys that do that will use chalk or baby powder to enhance the looks for visibility during a sale. Stuff wipes right off when desired with no ill effect.