RGN: I don't think those particular Mitchell's Mausers are accidents of anything. The Yogo plant (Preduze 44) that made those M48 Mausers mae a ton of them for bunches of different countries. One lot they made, which was never delivered, or paid for as I understand, were ordered without the crest and were destined for Egypt (so I understand). That's not to say that's where that grit in the barrel came from, but those Mausers of theirs have about zero collector value from a historical perspective.
I was just hoping they came through as nicely as they look in the advertisements, 'cause there ain't nothin' wrong with a brand spankin' new 8mm Mauser at the prices first offered. JMHO. Mikey.