The 2nd earliest 1899 I have is 21xxx and the rotor is a non-magnetic steel colored metal. The earliest is 1001x (by one record it is one of 300 made in 1898) also has the steel colored non-magnetic rotor. Perhaps the very earliest were made of this metal?? Interestingly, all 6 of my 1895's are of brass. My 3rd earliest 1899 is 28xxx and is of brass. I do have what I originally thought was another 1895 (sn 692x)but now believe it to be a rebarreled 1895 action with an early 1899 1/2 round/ 1/2 oct. 303 sav. barrel. The latest barrel date is October 3, 1899 and it says 'model 1899' on the barrel. The rotor is brass, but the interesting thing is that the bolt is the early 1899 bolt with the rectangular cocking indicator. Rebarreled AND upgraded 1895??
