M1866 "2nd Allin" Script N marking

[cwbuff]

Has anything been learned of late regarding the script N marking on the M1866?

[Kragrifle]

Just an added note-I have an 1867 cadet with the same script N marking. So it would seem that this was peculiar to the entire second Allin line of muskets.

[70ish]

I think I read somewhere that the script N was related to the rifles that were refurbished for resale to Europe in 1870. Some 1500 of the 1866's to go to Europe were found to have barrel flaws and were altered to 2 bands. I think some of the "N" stamps ended up still (or back) here.

[Kragrifle]

The script N is on every 3 band, original 2nd Allin I have ever examined.