It is a factory roll-stamp, not scratch engraving. These are called "salesman samples", or "Spiegel specials" 99's , essentially early EG promotional models. What caliber? Checkering?
"...One Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All"
As JeffG said, it's a roll stamp that was also used on some Savage shotguns (Savage 430), and the stamp appears on 99EG's sold through retail stores - mainly Spiegel. But probably others. Spiegel EG's also had factory sling studs, and some extra scope base holes on top that seem to fit target block bases.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
That's correct for that serial number. The checkering came later.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
There's 2 by the pop up cocking indicator behind the breech - one in front of it, and one behind. Then there are 2 more behind the rear sight dovetail, but if the rear sight is there it will hide them.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Blurry picture of Rick99's with a scope mounted on those holes.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
I have a 1940 Speigle Special with a tang peep site in 303 Savage. Finding 303 Savage was hard enough to find 2 years ago and now is dam near impossible