I have a question or two concerning a ZKW 465 .22 Hornet I purchased in the late 1950s. In so far as I can tell it is all original except the trigger (but see following). The dst has been replaced with a Canjar trigger, but I have retained and stored the dst. The metal is 95%+ except slight carry wear at bottom of magazine: same for stock - carry wear at the carry point. The front sight hood is missing, as it was when I purchased the rifle. Serial # is 04***. Original "Z" butt plate, sling swivels. My question regarding whether or not it is completely original involves the hand engraving in a flower pattern on barrel between the receiver ring and the triple leaf sight; at bottom of magazine; and on trigger guard; the latter carrying an escutcheon with two nested letters: presumably the initials of a previous (or original) owner. Also some engraving on sides of the receiver, which may be machine-made. The bolt is damascened. The stock contains four inset diamond-shaped pieces of what appears to me to be ivory, as two of them are stained with carry sweat. If they were plastic I would think they would retain their original color. Stock wood carries some figure, but not as spectacular as one often sees with stocks carrying the above mentioned hand engraving of the metal. In the typical European high claw mount, attached at the places for them on the receiver, is an East German B. Nickel (Marburg) 2.5X telescopic sight.
Now to my question: Was the engraving, bolt damascening, and (ivory?) stock inserts done at the factory, or as after-market prettying up?
I would much appreciate an expert evaluation. Finally, if these were factory work, was the ZKW available in varying grades of such treatments?
