Very well.
We also both seem to agree (or I would hope so, with your speculation regarding a list from a former employee being a possible source of Madis’ list), that Madis very most probably did not pull these numbers out of thin air, a hat, or his nether regions.
The list is rather specific. This lends credence to a belief that the list certainly represents SOMETHING in the manufacturing process. My contention is that it should not be disposed of as useless without knowing what it represents.
Your research into the matter is extensive and admirable. I would hope that your methods entail collection and regard of ALL information as potentially useful in some fashion until proven otherwise: especially information that came from an otherwise quite reliable source, and has been respected for a great number of years.
I instantly deferred to the new list in this thread when you presented it to me (see "…all washed up") regarding dating my older carbine. I am solidly persuaded that the Polishing Room numbers are the "Go-To" list for true manufacture dates.
I only wonder that your curiosity is not as great as mine as to what the old list (in its specificity) actually represents. Without proof to the contrary, I think it might very well represent documentation of some previous stage of the manufacturing process (not useless, or "bogus"). Without proof, I steadfastly choose to not summarily dispose of it.
In pure speculation on my part (and healthy curiosity) , perhaps the Blue Book crew joins me.
spitpatch said
I only wonder that your curiosity is not as great as mine as to what the old list (in its specificity) actually represents. Without proof to the contrary, I think it might very well represent documentation of some previous stage of the manufacturing process (not useless, or "bogus"). Without proof, I steadfastly choose to not summarily dispose of it.In pure speculation on my part (and healthy curiosity) , perhaps the Blue Book crew joins me.
Bruce,
Not to make this sound like a fairy tale, but "once upon a time" many many years ago, I did have that same level of curiosity that you still have. However, through the years and with continued research, my curiosity level has waned to the point where I no longer find it to be of anything more than just a fleeting thought.
I (apparently like you), am completely convinced as to the validity and accuracy of the PR records in regards to the dates of manufacture. All other unsubstantiated sources of information are of little importance to me at this point.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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