660 1940 from Simpson, *update*

[petersen43]

This rifle popped up in the 'what's new' list at Simpson over a week ago and I hemmed and hawed until I called them today to see if they'd be able to send me additional photos.
They couldn't send additional photos however the salesman did offer an extended inspection period, so...at the very least I'm renting it for 10 days.
This rifle reportedly came in from Norway recently with a number of other Norwegian k98s and overall there's alot to like about this rifle. I'm perplexed, however, by the stamp above the serial number on the reciever and need the communities help here.
I assume it's a postwar mark however I found nothing remotely similar outside of a post '68 Hannover horse proofmark turned 90°
I've looked at it sideways, upside down, right-side up, zoomed in and out and I still can't really determine what it is.
Aside from this mark, the rifle appears to me to be a Heer marked rifle redirected to the Kriegsmarine. It's reported to be all original stamped matching and appears ok in the photos. The stock doesnt look sanded but has obviously been coated with something however I'm not too concerned with that.
What's the community say?

STEYR K98K - Z58867

Firearms for the Finest Collectors

simpsonltd.com

 

[RyanE]

Norwegian commercial proof (lion holding an ax). Post war obviously.

 

[petersen43]

That lines up with what I was told by Floyd at Simpsons. I suspected as much but couldnt find similar examples online. I think I may actually keep this one. Thank you!

 

[petersen43]

Norwegian commercial proof (lion holding an ax). Post war obviously.

Was the rifle required to be re-proofed similar to examples with British proofs?

 

[RyanE]

Was the rifle required to be re-proofed similar to examples with British proofs?

Yes, something similar. I don't know Norwegian law, but it might have been proofed for export. Most European countries require proof testing of older guns.

 

[a j s]

My 8mm Norwegian [337 1940] was Navy marked,as i thought thats where the 8mms went.

 

[petersen43]

I reached out to a very knowledgeable Norwegian arms collector regarding the circumstances of the Norwegian Lions application to the reciever and this was his response:
"The stamped lion indikates that the carbine was sold from the armed forces to the civilian market. Most of these were re-barreled from 7,92 to 7,62 mm."