I like the little rifles and have gathered together a number of #4s, Stevens, H&As and other boy's rifles. Some have been converted from 32rim to 32 S&W and my latest is a beautiful H&A in 38S&W. The problem is that the conversions and the 38 have no markings designating what cartridge they are for and I feel that this could lead to some confusion for future owners. I've been thinking of cutting the base off of a case and inlaying it in the forearm just ahead of the bottom of the receiver where it won't be too ostentatious but I hate to alter the 38 because of it's rarity factor and condition. Any thoughts?

I do what Scott mentioned, and not just for cartridge conversions. I put a piece of paper under the forearm on any unusual rifle with details about it that might help a future owner know what they've got. It's not always obvious and I'd hate for a new owner to have to go through all the work I did to figure them out.

I've taken all of the above into consideration but I want to do something that doesn't require the use of a screwdriver to see.

Sadly I don't have a set of stamps that would be suitable and I will not use one of those horrible electric engravers.

I tend to agree. My gut tells me not to touch it, all original, octagon barrel, checkered stock and minty bore. Can't chamber anything else in it so no safety issues and anyone who buys it in the future will know what it is. The conversions have been altered anyway so it makes no difference with them.