Is it possible for a WP Proof stamp to be hidden u

I have come across what appears to be a nice Winchester M1 Carbine.

The obvious "flaw" is that it is in an Inland stock - correct crossed cannon cartouche and a HI in sling well.

The other thing that bugs me is there doesn't appear to be a WP proof mark on the barrel. There is the "W" stamp where it should be and since it is a 1.1 mil serial number I wouldn't expect it to be dated or have the flaming cannon ball on it but the lack of the WP proof bugs me.

It appears to have been through a re-arsenal or at least "updated" at some point and it has a JM stamped Type III barrel band on it. Is it possible the WP proof stamp is hidden by the barrel band?

Based on the rest of the parts and overall condition, its hard to believe it is a counterfeit Winchester barrel but I guess anything is possible.

What do you more experienced guys think?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If it originally had a type 1 or 2 band, I would expect the WP in an oval proof mark to be covered by a type 3 band. Also, on rare occasion the proof mark managed to get missed! I've got an early Winchester that doesn't have any proof mark. The W is there, but not the WP proof.

As WRA changed to Wider barrel bands the Ovaled PW Proof was stamped further up the barrel so it remained visible.