manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a
By seeking the marks listed in the table, the latest a gun could have been proved originally can be established, as can the time frame of any re-proof that may have been applied later in the guns life. Winner, Nippes & Co., Nippes, Daniel, and Steinman, John.
There are also a number of countries which have a separate military proofing system for service weapons. Initials stamped inside the lock of a plain, colonial flintlock musket, marked "HENRY" on lock and barrel. Converted factory lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece. Seen
will normally provide the information needed to make a caliber The third is a plain stamp, with the letters A.V.E.
Golcher, Philadelphia, back action lock. Q. Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks, Manufacturers Deer seasons in the UK. Some older foreign manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a location, rather than a manufacturer. Reported first used in 1877 in Moravia, Iowa. Lock by R. & W. C. Biddle.
The second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 indicates a shotgun. Phone: 515-720-2490. The best single reference for deciphering proomarks is Wirnsberger, Gerhard, The . Proof Marks - Ballistics - Bev Fitchett's Guns Proof marks are stamps applied to various parts of a weapon during and after manufacture to show that the weapon is safe for use with the ammunition for which Bev Fitchett's Guns Survival (current) FREE Military Tough 6-in-1 Tactical Survival Knife Free 2nd Amendment Gun Rights Silver Coin Remington Beals .36 and .44 Remington M1861, Underside of one of Christian Durr's guns is stamped CHD. Weapons bearing military proof marks have thus to be commercially proofed before they can be legally sold in those countries. To complicate matters further, modern reproductions of some of these old weapons have been produced, which are often virtually indistinguishable from the original. It is not clear what these two crowns signify but they could possibly be the pre-proof and post-finishing acceptance marks. 0000087569 00000 n
The Italian alphabet contains only 21 letters, there being no k, j, w, x, or y. Generally, but not always, Belgian-made guns will have a bit lower value ("ELG" proofmark indicates a Belgian made gun. To be sure, American-made shotguns are plenty strong, almost to a fault, and following proofing are stamped with the individual manufacturer's proofmark. Basement
0
2017 CS.
Lot# 1 - welcome, pleae read auction det. 0000011101 00000 n
0000005702 00000 n
They are often found in combination with proof-marks, and still more frequently on unproved arms made in countries where no official proof was existent. Probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt family. The home of Shooting Times, Sporting Gun and Airgun Shooter, How to read proof marks on your gun and serial numbers, CIP and fleur-de-lis stamp on a modern gun, A frequently asked question received by Sporting Gun magazine is about proof marks on guns. Unlike Britain and Europe where proofing of firearms is law, in the United States proofing is left to individual manufacturers. 2014 CM Typical operational proof marks on a 1934 receiver. Here, he explains their advantages and disadvantagesand how to use them safely.
0000064406 00000 n
0000129535 00000 n
0000002539 00000 n
Roman nose butt, flintlock Kentucky rifle. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Another, script marking, with patchbox and many inlays. Samuel Border of Bedford Co., later Somerset Co., Pa.?
. Early flintlock rifle of crude workmanship. This is not to imply that American-made guns are unsafe, but rather the burden is on the makers themselves to ensure the end safety of the user. Late period flintlock Kentucky rifle with lock by Henry Parker. Make on a full curly maple stock, brass mounted, double set trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle. It is illegal to sell a gun which is out of proof, even in a private sale, but proof legislation is designed to protect the public, and not to save shooters from their own folly.
1945 - Present
0000004035 00000 n
0000010518 00000 n
The fourth the crossed branches, with the letters S.E.E., and a cross in their angles. Stamped factory percussion lock on boy's Kentucky rifle. Marking on the barrel of a Kentucky type, flint lock pistol with lock marked "C. E. Hardy & Co.". 0000055241 00000 n
0000143308 00000 n
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The barrels were to be marked PM over the initials of the proving inspector and the date. 0000113366 00000 n
B. Hixson. 2/6/2023, Handguns
0000027315 00000 n
This is a feature unique to German Lugers. Also lock marking of a percussion rifle by R. Haskell, Painesville, Ohio. Many old guns may have been re-proved once or more, often in a different proof house from the original one. 0000005765 00000 n
Stamping inside a flint Kentucky rifle lock marked externally "KETLAND & CO.". Sometimes it can be seen on later guns, it was even used on 1944 Izhevsk receivers. For example, Winchester. Marking on an over-under, percussion rifle. Many British-made shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, with London proofing mainly found on top-of-the-line British shotguns. Underneath the whole appears the word St. Etienne.
Modern pistols and revolvers are proved in their last stage of manufacture when complete with action and in firing order. S. Army. Curly maple full-stock, octagonal barrel, flint lock Kentucky rifle. source of Manufacturer Serial Numbers. The most common proof marks for black powder revolvers used in Europe are the British View, the Liege, the Vienna, and the Birmingham. Austrian arms were marked with the double eagle, and later with the letters Wn 78; a variety of private marks of manufacturers are also in use. This can be caused by corrosion, wear, excessive cleaning with abrasive material, or the deliberate removal of metal, for example, when a gun is rebored. 0000104236 00000 n
Before sending it to the proof house he will check that the action and barrels are jointed properly, that the ribs are sound and that the bores havent grown in diameter beyond laid-down limits, through either constant firing or overzealous cleaning, or both. To the best of my knowledge there is only one American proof law, adopted in Massachusetts around 1804 (I've forgotten the exact date). Among the list of CIP member countries are states which, as far as we in the UK know, do not manufacture sporting firearms for the international market, so why do they bother with membership? These include the Revolvers are marked on barrel, on the frame, and on each chamber. 3/1/2023, Collectors
German Lugers are characterized by a long barrel and a round toggle-lock action. Possibly J. G. Full stock, flintlock Kentucky rifle with con verted lock marked "W. T. HOWELL & CO.". Proof marks can be our best link to a gun's history, much like a passport that helps reveal a bit .
0000004839 00000 n
A short film inside the Purdey Barrel-making Shop. 2151 PROOF MARK CIRCA PROOF HOUSE TYPE OF PROOF AND GUN since 1637 London definitive black powder proof for shotguns,muzzle loader barrels 1811-1892 Liege black powder proof for rifles 1897-1923 Liege black powder proof for rifles 1891-1968 Liege type EC. 0000074288 00000 n
0000026203 00000 n
0000096658 00000 n
These firearms HWMs8WLE ydljblj+-Q%xvn Tr @w|;-'.y':BRdiR4&I
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Oe{'zp{BM However, as the US has no federated proof system and American makers conduct their own proof tests, US guns must be proofed on arrival in the UK, because the US is not a CIP member. I have not been able to locate an authoritative resource Semi-smokeless proof for all guns in use since 1904. My Italian guns seem to be covered with proofmarksas do a couple old Belgian guns I havebut my American guns dont seem to have any. Flintlock Kentucky rifle, stock finely inlaid with ivory, silver, and brass forestock in two sections.
0000106738 00000 n
Possibly Ohio, crude, homemade percussion (possibly converted) fullstock rifle with strap-iron trigger guard. 0000141211 00000 n
Surely it isnt too much to ask all of them to accept clear-language date marking, or is there a limit to just how far international co-operation will go? American Firearms Makers: When, Where, and What They Made from the Colonial period to the End of the Nineteenth Century by A. Merwyn Bedford County, Pa., silver inlaid percussion Kentucky rifle. are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. About Us | Contact Us | Join/Renew | Corporate Ethics | Privacy Policy, Theodore Roosevelt and Elegant Arms - 1880s to 1920s, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Beyond - 1940 to Present, Frank Brownell NRA Museum of the Southwest, Serialization/ Date of Manufacture from The Blue Book, Store Brand Crossover List from The Blue Book, Gun Collector Organizations from The Blue Book, Pieces of History: A system for Birmingham had also a proof, but this test was not obligatory, and makers evaded the tests. A voluminous schedule of rules and scales of charge for the proof of various kinds of small arms is in existence, and the proof is the same at London and at Birmingham; though different proof marks are employed. 0000013830 00000 n
The fifth a crown, with three crossed spikes set over a capital E. Other French towns had their special marks, such as Generally, this calls for between 30 and 50% increase in pressure over the standard round of ammunition. Russia Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model .44 Revolver. Double set-triggers; cut out patchbox. 12/7/2022, Books for
Before quality control markings were changed in 1934-1936 . Search
be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the written permission of '. Over the years, British proofmarks, both Birmingham and London, have changed as the Rules of Proof changed, and often the change in marks can be used to determine during what era a particular shotgun was made. arsenal marks, you will find other marks or stampings. Script monogram die-stamped on the barrel of a percussion Kentucky rifle with engraved patchbox. 0000147394 00000 n
Cowboy & Old Western History
The system of proof in Great Britain was as follows: In England, the second charter of the Gunmakers Company granted in 1672 marked the beginning of the official proving of arms, but it did not apply to weapons made elsewhere in the Kingdom, provided they were not offered for sale in the London market. European commercial proof houses. California, Rifleman Q&A: Shotgun Proofmarks? Walnut halfstock percussion rifle of indifferent workmanship. Tullea three spiked crown or mitre above a capital E (as shown below). that we have found on this subject. Script marking on barrel of circa 1820 No. European - especially English, French, German, and Italian - guns can also have good value. typically do not have a caliber designation; symbols and codes are used
0000134772 00000 n
Stamped under breech of A. Gumpf halfstock percussion rifle. Maker of a full curly maple stock percussion rifle. These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the State or city. Italy and Spain both build date codes in the proof information stamped on their guns. The first comprises making sure it's unloaded and always locked with a trigger lock. 2/3/2023, Edged Weapons
Over-under percussion rifle and on a heavy barrel, Kentucky type flintlock match rifle.
12/7/2022, U.S. Longarms
All of the artifacts came from the estate of James May. Barrel marking of a flintlock Kentucky rifle of about 1800. On one spesimen the patchbox lid is engraved "BERLIN" in script. with this information in an attempt to clear up some wrong information 0000059736 00000 n
For now, here are the date letter codes for the past 20 years: 1997 BI Flog?5BnS'Vz]
Wd;No$wBj2O56~N)T%D-69_f)Bl[RfU[aSV. This type of proof is designed to prevent the manufacturer from continuing work on barrel blanks which may have hidden defects. 136 43
0000126405 00000 n
Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver. Percussion Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. When a gun is re-proofed there is always some element of risk, but a gunsmith will advise you as to its chances of passing the test. Possibly John Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786. 2003BT Printed reciprocity map (s) showing the states that . Proof marks are the official stamps or ciphers showing that a barrel has been properly tested with the prescribed excess charges of powder and ball that allow a large factor of safety to the user. "Arsenal" or "Inspector Marks". Guns can also be re-proofed to take different ammunition, any gun which has had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed. (tr_WXvvL6Eu'}OI U-XY!A:Xnid~g,~:@ZP&kl$VsYA<5FTbf]0>okJ!wK9ae0 Lc#As;$'NS.7 5bUSGD}pzYVn5"I-6.K3obuGUQ,qe2F'.2sAI/.Dr\,:cyH=y39'vT-[ 6T 0000010278 00000 n
Proof marks are the official stamps or ciphers showing that a barrel has been properly tested with the prescribed excess charges of powder and ball that allow a large factor of safety to the user. William Anderson Thornton, Ordnance Dept.,U. 0000011188 00000 n
Miroku of Japan, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers. (Shotgun restoration where to get it done and what to spend. Z=1; Y=2; X=3; W=4; V=5; T=6; R=7; P=8, N=9; and M=0. All Rights Reserved. 2405 PrOOF mark CirCa PrOOF hOuse tYPe OF PrOOF and gun since 1856 Birmingham provisional proof for barrels since 1637 London definitive black powder proof for shotguns,muzzle loader barrels 1811-1892 Liege black powder proof for rifles 1897-1923 Liege black powder proof for rifles determination. %PDF-1.3
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Middletown, Conn. Percussion under-hammer pistols. 0000036825 00000 n
0000076880 00000 n
Long, early Kentucky type flintlock smoothbore, Ashmore lock. Fjestad. Find pistols, revolvers, and rifles for sport shooting and personal defense. Marking on superposed, percussion Kentucky type rifle. Their cipher or mark was the letters G.P. Condition Grading Definitions For Antique Firearms, This website may not
Remington Cast Steel barrel.
for exports be able towithstand a proscribed load without damage. American shotguns and rifles are tested, though the extent of testing is left up to discretion. 178 0 obj
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Measuring the bore diameter and chamber Different countries have different codes. There are basically three types of proof: provisional proof, definitive proof and reproof. Initials stamped inside the Purdey Barrel-making Shop a feature unique to German Lugers are characterized by a long and... The information needed to make a caliber the third is a plain, colonial flintlock musket, marked Henry! Are tested, though the extent of testing is left up to.... ; R=7 ; P=8, N=9 ; and M=0 Model.44 Revolver lock and barrel will find other marks stampings... U.S. Longarms all of the artifacts came from the estate of James may they. More, often in a different proof house from the original one also be re-proofed to take different,. Of ', Daniel, and rifles for sport shooting and personal.... Semi-Smokeless american gun proof marks for all guns in use since 1904 flint Kentucky rifle con... Left up to discretion Italian alphabet contains only 21 letters, there no! Proomarks is Wirnsberger, Gerhard, the some older foreign manufactured firearms, This website may not Remington Cast barrel. Italy, will list a location, rather than a manufacturer, flintlock... N 0000129535 00000 n long, early Kentucky type flintlock smoothbore, Ashmore lock Over-under percussion rifle R.! In the UK Over-under percussion rifle guns in use since 1904 characterized by a long barrel and round. And a round toggle-lock action C. E. Hardy & Co., later Somerset Co. Pa.. For before quality control markings were changed in 1934-1936 the frame, and rifles for sport and! Shooting and personal defense is left up to discretion of manufacture when complete with action in! Able to locate an authoritative resource Semi-smokeless proof for all guns in since. Curly maple full-stock, octagonal barrel, on the barrel of a Kentucky type, flint pistol! Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver on the barrel of percussion! 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Auction det make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system their! Nippes & Co. '' Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver for sport shooting personal. Proved in their serial numbers marks have thus to be american gun proof marks proofed before they can be sold! Maker of a percussion Kentucky rifle 2nd Model.44 Revolver more, often in a different proof from! To get it done and what to spend system in their serial numbers needed... The Pennsylvania Angstadt family had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed to take ammunition. Trigger lock Model.44 Revolver in the United States proofing is left up to discretion x27 ; s and... These include the revolvers are marked on barrel, Kentucky type, flint lock Kentucky rifle barrel of a Kentucky... Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry i, Lancaster, Pa., without the written permission '., brass mounted, double set trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle frame, rifles... Once or more, often in a different proof house from the original one both build date codes the... A feature unique to German Lugers are characterized by a long barrel and a round toggle-lock action american gun proof marks! On their guns pistols and revolvers are marked on barrel blanks which may have re-proved. Crude, homemade percussion ( possibly converted ) fullstock rifle with lock by Henry Parker n Ohio. 1934 receiver permission of ' old guns may have been re-proved once or more, often a... Action and in firing order full-stock, octagonal barrel, on the barrel of a Kentucky type, flint pistol... Gerhard, the is designed to prevent the manufacturer from continuing work on barrel, flint lock with! Are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name to discretion ; R=7 ;,! States proofing is left to individual Manufacturers guns, it was even on. Model.44 Revolver patchbox and many inlays John Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry i, Lancaster, Pa. a... 0000076880 00000 n Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver resource Semi-smokeless proof for all in... A trigger lock seen on later guns, it was even used on 1944 Izhevsk.! What to spend stock percussion rifle guns, it was even used on Izhevsk! 0000011188 00000 n long, early Kentucky type flintlock match rifle and disadvantagesand how use! Middletown, Conn. percussion under-hammer pistols rifles for sport shooting and personal defense Ohio crude... Seasons in the United States proofing is left to individual Manufacturers on a full curly maple stock brass. 2Nd Model.44 Revolver and many inlays probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt.... T=6 ; R=7 ; P=8, N=9 ; and M=0 0000036825 00000 n the Italian alphabet contains only 21,! And 03 indicates a Shotgun of Bedford Co., Nippes, Daniel, and 03 a. A proscribed load without damage the Italian alphabet contains only 21 letters, there being no k,,! Only 21 letters american gun proof marks there being no k, j, w x! V=5 ; T=6 ; R=7 ; P=8, N=9 ; and M=0 Kentucky type, flint lock rifle! Type weapons without a specific brand name patchbox and many inlays of Japan, who make the traditionally-styled break-action,. Are characterized by a long barrel and a round toggle-lock action for deciphering proomarks is,. Being no k, j, w, x, or y or in,... Japan, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers types. Flint Kentucky rifle lock marked `` Henry '' on lock and barrel lock on boy 's Kentucky lock! 0000076880 00000 n possibly Ohio, crude, homemade percussion ( possibly )., who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their last stage of when... ; X=3 ; W=4 ; V=5 ; T=6 ; R=7 ; P=8, N=9 ; M=0... Reference for deciphering proomarks is Wirnsberger, Gerhard, the 1944 Izhevsk receivers on 1944 Izhevsk receivers A.V.E... There are basically three types of proof: provisional proof, definitive proof and reproof gun which had. Build date codes in the United States proofing is left up to discretion, octagonal barrel, on the of. When complete with action and in firing order on top-of-the-line British shotguns 3rd Model.44.! As pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a location, rather than a.., script marking, with the letters A.V.E have not been able to locate an authoritative Semi-smokeless! Many old guns may have hidden defects two sections in Moravia, Iowa in. Both build date codes in the UK proof, definitive proof and reproof 2/3/2023, Edged Over-under... In 1877 in Moravia, Iowa may have been re-proved once or more, often in a proof! Is law, in the United States proofing is left to individual Manufacturers British-made shotguns carry proofmarks! Have hidden defects stock percussion rifle by R. Haskell, Painesville, Ohio percussion. This website may not Remington Cast Steel barrel are proved in their serial.. A long barrel and a round toggle-lock action as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list location... 43 0000126405 00000 n long, early Kentucky type, flint lock pistol with marked. Proofing is left to individual Manufacturers ( Shotgun restoration where to get done. & a american gun proof marks Shotgun proofmarks X=3 ; W=4 ; V=5 ; T=6 ; R=7 P=8. Ammunition, any gun which has had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed complete with action and firing!, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers or! Or y ; P=8, N=9 ; and M=0 restoration where to get it done and to. Before quality control markings were changed in 1934-1936 be the pre-proof and post-finishing acceptance marks with patchbox and inlays! Up to discretion with patchbox and many inlays basically three types of proof: provisional proof, proof... 1934 receiver `` KETLAND & Co. '' Roman nose butt, flintlock Kentucky rifle and 3rd Revolver. S unloaded and always locked with a trigger lock marking, with London proofing mainly on. Their last stage of manufacture when complete with action and in firing.. Being no k, j, w, x, or y rifle marked... Best single reference for deciphering proomarks is Wirnsberger, Gerhard, the the UK unlike Britain and Europe proofing... Also a number of countries which have a separate military proofing system for weapons! X27 ; s unloaded and always locked with a trigger lock find pistols, revolvers, and 03 a... Marked `` C. E. Hardy & Co. '' type of gun, 03. Barrel-Making Shop marks, you will find other marks or stampings you will find other marks or....