Lex-Thank for the background info on the Herbach. This is a grand early rifle from a school where all of the early guns were mostly Schroyers. Wouldn't be surprised if Herbach taught Schroyer a thing or two about gun making.
It's nice to hear that the old document is still with the rifle, as they were separated for many, many years. I have more details and stories, but the telling would take too much time.
As to a cut back, I have seen and handled the Herbach a few times and if the barrel was cut, I couldn't see where it would have taken place. We need to keep in mind that the early pieces had rather short barrels for the most part, and Jaeger rules in building were still observed.
Thanks again-Dick