Bolt Markings

[wsfbernie]

The underside seems to always have the factory mark of E, W, or R. I have an Eddystone
bolt with NO ordnance stamp, only the "E" under the handle. The stamp is "proud" and doesn't
look to be refinished. The top part of the handle is smooth with no stampings. Because of the
"E" stamp, the bolt was made by Eddystone. The references don't address this issue. Any ideas?

[Col. Colt]

One a high speed production line, anything can happen - and they were producing thousands of rifles per day. Maybe yours was a replacement bolt, and did not get the stamping during production.
One of our other contributors may have some insight and chime in, but those would be my guesses. CC