[41magman]

Thanks for taking the time to do the research. All that I have found on proof marks says that they indicate country of manufacture. So on these guns marked with Germany proof marks the question is at what point did the manufacturing of the gun cease in Japan and pick up in Germany? Just the proofing?

 

[41magman]

Are you certain that the "23" is related to the .223 caliber? The reason I ask is that my gun has a 9 between the locking lugs which I don't believe has any relationship to the .30-06 caliber.

BTW yesterday the dealer I purchased my gun from contacted the original purchaser about the history on the gun and was told he purchased it in Germany. He also said he purchased it in the 60' ?? Can't be, can it? A Winchoke gun from the 60's ??

 

[41magman]

Thanks all for the information you have provided.

According to the Golden Eagle Collectors Association the Olin-Kodensha Co. LTD in Tochigi Japan produced Winchester 101's for Olin/Winchester of New Haven CT as well as directly for Winchester GMBH of Germany. Coupling this information with what MK23 provided regarding Germany not recognizing Japanese or Winchester proofing seems to complete the picture. BTW there is a tiny GMBH stamped slightly above the end of the Winchester script trademark on the upper barrel of my Super Grade Combination Gun.

So, it looks like this gun was manufactured in Japan by Olin-Kodensha, not marked as being made there or any Japanese proofs applied, then shipped to either Winchester GMBH or to a German proof house directly to be proofed before sale. All to have take place in the early to mid 1980's.