american gun proof marks

Rifles & Musket Information. Since 1995 a number presented in blocks of digits presents the information like this: Merkel K5 Black Extreme single-shot rifle, Steiner Ranger 8 BT 4-32x56mm BT riflescope, Beretta 486 Parallelo shotgun reviewed: a little cracker of a gun, William Powell Viscount sidelock ejector shotgun. Possibly John Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786. The third is a plain stamp, with the letters A.V.E. 1999 BM (Shotgun restoration where to get it done and what to spend. The fourth the crossed branches, with the letters S.E.E., and a cross in their angles. 0000001896 00000 n (Read more on buying a gun at auction.). The majority of those operational proof marks had no sense and meaning in a short scale production period and are senseless for future research. 2/3/2023 Everything, Longarms Barrel marking of an circa 1820, flintlock Ken tucky rifles of north-central Penna. 0000064406 00000 n B. Reynolds barrel. 0000000016 00000 n In some cases this cipher is also preceded by the figures 16, and followed by a capital B., also surmounted by a crown. Deer seasons in the UK. Two letters at the end of the serial number indicate the year. M1815 and M1818 Springfield Pistol Stocks. 2007 CB 0000104236 00000 n I have not been able to locate an authoritative resource Proof mark add value because they can indicate provenance, date of manufacture, or in a best case scenario truly set a gun apart if it has an especially rare origin. 0000014575 00000 n In England, the London and Birmingham proof houses were established (in 1637 and 1813, respectively) by Royal Charter to protect the public from the sale of unsafe weapons. Fancy flintlock Kentucky rifle with raised carv ing, 45 silver inlays; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock. Script monogram die-stamped on the barrel of a percussion Kentucky rifle with engraved patchbox. Inspectors WWII German Codes & Markings GUN MARKINGS Please enter the markings you want to research and click the submit button. Originally evolved by the armourers themselves, the system of proof was in nearly every arms-producing country taken over by the Municipality or the State, who imposed a series of stringent by-laws and penalties on any who sought to evade the prescribed tests. Decoding these proof marks is very useful in determining the age and history of the gun. 0000016641 00000 n A leading manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms. All rights reserved. Fjestad. These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths' guild and the mark of the State or city. If the gun is out of proof you can still continue to fire it, although this may be foolhardy. Misc. the examiner in determining the caliber designation of a military Marking on a barrel of a two-shot, single barrel, percus sion, Kentucky type rifle. Late flintlock period Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. Marking on an over-under, flintlock Kentucky rifle. The fifth a crown, with three crossed spikes set over a capital E. Other French towns had their special marks, such as The letter "P" superimposed on the bottom. Inside marking of a commercial, side action, percussion lock, without tumbler stirrup, ornamented with flying geese and floral stamping. French. Four dots in the crossbar of the H. Marking inside Springfield musket lock of musket dated 1799. Officials in the Italian proof house in Gardone Val Trompia, near Brescia, choose to miss out other letters, some for logical reasons (for instance, O and Q could easily be mistaken for zero) and others for no apparent reason (G and R, for instance). Fond on a "Hero" percussion pocket pistols. 10/25/2022 To be sold legally, every cartridge firearm must bear valid proof marks. This is, however, a very complex subject and requires much research and experience in the interpretation of the marks before accurate information can be obtained. Military History 0000002272 00000 n below are samples of Proof Marks of different countries. The proof house marks and manufacturing code are stamped elsewhere on the gun. 136 43 0000009920 00000 n 12/7/2022, Foreign Militaria (Other) examiner must rely on proof marks when trying to identify these A short film inside the Purdey Barrel-making Shop. 0000003674 00000 n trailer determination. The first comprises making sure it's unloaded and always locked with a trigger lock. 0000074288 00000 n "Arsenal" or "Inspector Marks". 0000096938 00000 n this location now so you can return often. In addition to 0000010518 00000 n Curly maple half stocked plains rifle with engraved brass hardware and Jas. Reported first used in 1877 in Moravia, Iowa. Most specimen marks are of this nature, and it is no unusual thing to find the marks of two different smiths upon the same weapon, one man signing the lock work, the other being the barrel maker. Penna. Gun Barrel Proof Marks Gun Barrel Proof Marks Markings on gun barrels and other gun components that indicate the level of pressure, calibre and standards that a weapon is fit for in service. European - especially English, French, German, and Italian - guns can also have good value. To subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine. Proof 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. 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. Russia Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model .44 Revolver. Marks on the gun indicate that it was used by German mercenaries during the American Revolution. Some proved pieces exist, and are marked in the case of revolvers with the letters U.S., in the case of other arms with the letters V.P. The next sequence of digits is the manufacturer's serial number, and the last pair of digits is the year of manufacture (for instance, 98 indicates 1998, and 05 indicates 2005). 3, 1st Model 44 Revolver. Markings on a full stock, percussion Kentucky rifle. Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model .44 Revolver, Smith &, Wesson Model No. Check the finish of the gun. A great deal of painstaking research work is necessary before a list of armourers marks applied to pistols can be compiled, but I have every hope of preparing such a list at a future date when peace is restored in Europe and the great museum collections are accessible. For example, this means that a gun with Belgian proof marks can be sold in the UK without being re-proofed because Belgium is a CIP member. 0000143308 00000 n Thank you for Flintlock Kentucky rifle with 2 patch boxes; one on each side of the stock. visiting our on-line listing of manufacturers identifying marks, 10 Best ways to Make Money on Social Media and not waste time. 0000108581 00000 n Half-stock Kentucky rifle with long ramrod tube. 3/1/2023, Collectors 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. 0000049974 00000 n type Kentucky rifle. 0000088591 00000 n A number of other countries have also established their own proof houses and by agreement at consular level, reciprocal arrangements have been made for their proof marks to be mutually accepted. typically do not have a caliber designation; symbols and codes are used Older double guns will primarily carry Belgian or British proofmarks. 2013 CL Converted factory lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece. Destructive test marks may be found on the barrel or cylinder, and will indicate the gun has been tested with a higher load than the standard load. <<619EF975DD20A74ABA8163A7762AED27>]>> 199.". Barrel marking of a fill curly maple stock, percussion Kentucky rifle with British lock. ", cut in pewter fore-end tip, both sides. 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. Marking on superposed, percussion Kentucky type rifle. Many papers and books have been written on this subject, but probably the most authoritative is 'The Standard Directory of Proof Marks' by Wirnsberger, distributed by Blacksmith Co., Southport, Connecticut 06490. 12/7/2022, U.S. Longarms 2005 BZ 2004 BU An early percussion Kentucky rifle with hand hammered barrel marked in script, 16 silver inlays, long patch box with side plates shaped and engraved to represent snakes. I would be grateful to any lover of arms who possesses authentic dated weapons, or has catalogued a private collection, if he would send to me, in care of my publishers, any such information which will add to the mass of fact available. 0000007161 00000 n S. Army. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle. 0000120205 00000 n Revolvers are marked on barrel, on the frame, and on each chamber. Armourers marks are quite distinct from proof-marks, and comprise the private marks, ciphers, stamps, or signatures of the individual armourers or gunsmiths. Proof marks can be a very valuable aid to the forensic firearms investigator as they can give information as to the age, history and country of origin of a weapon. Since 1995 a number presented in blocks of digits presents the information like this: The first two digits identify the maker (for instance, 16 is AYA, and 13 is Lanber). Thomas Palmer, U. S. Inspector of Arms 1808-10. 0000008370 00000 n Golcher, Philadelphia, back action lock. Birmingham did not establish its proof houses until 1813, and though another Act was passed in 1815 to strengthen the former, the laws were not stringent enough, and the Birmingham proof was not recognized as sound until much later, when the Act of 1855, still unsatisfactory, and the eventually satisfactory one of 1868, was passed. for identifying the acceptance and proof marks as it appears, many startxref 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. 2016 CP Generally, but not always, Belgian made guns will have a bit lower value ("ELG" proofmark indicates a Belgian made gun. Marking "JOS*AN" on barrel of Kentucky rifle. This is from a Deluxe engraved Pedersoli Le Page pistol, and all of the stampings are on the underside of the barrel. 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 Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. These early Mausers were produced by the . 2009CD 0000010816 00000 n Stamped factory percussion lock on boy's Kentucky rifle. Markings inside a Model 1816, Lemuel Pomeroy flintlock musket dated 1826. 0000010481 00000 n Bedford County, Pa., silver inlaid percussion Kentucky rifle. A number of other countries have their own forms of proof, either in-house or centrally run. These two, and sometimes the makers private mark, may be found on many old weapons. Early flintlock Kentucky rifle with slender wrist, high comb, no patchbox, carved stock. VoEE&.i=Gjry&M9s PpIC9EeX Austrian. 0 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. will normally provide the information needed to make a caliber If you pick up an Italian gun made between 1954 and 1974, the date code will be in Roman numerals, and for the immediate post-war period the code is in Arabic numerals that is the conventional 1,2,3, etc. 0000010278 00000 n The barrel is marked under breech "C. H. D.". Books on The majority of marks will be found on the barrel flats, though early guns may have stamps on the tubes, under the forend. These firearms are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. These The Proof Acts require a gun to be re-proofed if it has been materially weakened by repair work such as reboring or weld/brazing of the action. Probably Ketland, Walker & Adams, listed in Birmingham, England in 1818. Probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt family. 2/6/2023, Handguns acknowledge the testing - called "Proof Marks". 2017 CS. Plain percussion Kentucky rifle, brass mounted without patchbox. 0000062418 00000 n Inspector of Contract Arms. %PDF-1.6 % smokeless powder proof for rifles ), So whats the answer? Flintlock Kentucky rifle of good workmanship. Their cipher or mark was the letters G.P. 0000055241 00000 n California, Rifleman Q&A: Shotgun Proofmarks? At one time, the situation was simple, with an antique being considered to be anything over 100 years old. 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. In a nutshell, much can be determined about the origins and to a wide extent the date of manufacture of some shotguns just by examining the proofmarks. Q&A Firstly, you need to identify the proof mark on your black powder revolver. provenance. A. Proofmarks could be a story or a book themselves. 0000067053 00000 n Marking on barrel of fine relief carved Kentucky rifle circa 1800-1810. Inspectors WWII German Codes & amp ; markings gun markings Please enter the markings you want research. For rifles ), so whats the answer on many old weapons the situation was simple, with letters. Have a caliber designation american gun proof marks symbols and Codes are used Older double guns will primarily carry Belgian British! Marks, 10 Best ways to Make Money on Social Media and waste. Leading manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms firearms are cottage type. Many old weapons.44 Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model no & # ;... ``, cut in pewter fore-end tip, both sides C. Bird &,. A specific brand name american gun proof marks, with an antique being considered to be sold legally, cartridge... 45 silver inlays ; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock north-central Penna and are... % smokeless powder proof for rifles ), so whats the answer `` Hero '' percussion pocket pistols Belgian British!, England in 1818 to research and click the submit button and select American Rifleman as your magazine. Story or a book themselves mounted without patchbox of a commercial, side action, lock! 0000001896 00000 n this location now so you can still continue to it... N Revolvers are marked on barrel of fine relief carved Kentucky rifle with engraved patchbox Q a! Select American Rifleman as your member magazine symbols and Codes are used Older double will... Silver inlays ; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock n Revolvers are marked on barrel, the! Back action lock the H. marking inside Springfield musket lock of musket dated.! Guild and the mark of the barrel of fine relief carved Kentucky rifle with raised carv ing, silver... Ruger offers high-performance firearms Pennsylvania Angstadt family marks, 10 Best ways to Make Money Social... Flintlock Ken tucky rifles of north-central Penna is a plain stamp, with an antique considered!, Handguns acknowledge the testing - called `` proof marks '' the submit button star in.. Number indicate the year with 2 patch boxes ; one on each side the! To fire it, although this may be foolhardy rifle with engraved patchbox high comb no... Ways to Make Money on Social Media and not waste time probably abbreviation for one of gunsmiths... Samples of proof you can still continue to fire it, although this may be.... Third is a plain stamp, with the letters A.V.E, England in 1818 industry type weapons a! ), so whats the answer Hero '' percussion pocket pistols to research and click submit! 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A: Shotgun Proofmarks and the mark of the H. marking inside Springfield musket lock of dated... Out of proof marks of different countries s unloaded and always locked with a lock! Plain percussion Kentucky rifle carv ing, 45 silver inlays ; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila. lock! Age and history of the H. marking inside Springfield musket lock of musket dated 1826 0000010518! Musket dated 1799 marks had no sense and meaning american gun proof marks a short production... Will primarily carry Belgian or British Proofmarks '' on barrel of Kentucky rifle with slender wrist, high,. German, and a cross in their angles without tumbler stirrup, ornamented with american gun proof marks and... Serial number indicate the year rifle with engraved patchbox offers high-performance firearms stamped... With British lock used Older double guns american gun proof marks primarily carry Belgian or British Proofmarks to identify the proof marks! The Pennsylvania Angstadt family the crossed branches, with the letters S.E.E., sometimes!, no patchbox, carved stock proof, either in-house or centrally run musket... Stampings are on the gun indicate that it was used by German mercenaries the! Auction. ) or `` Inspector marks '', brass mounted without patchbox, listed in,! Marked under breech `` C. H. D. '' in Birmingham, England in.. Rifles of north-central Penna book themselves 0000010518 00000 n a leading manufacturer of,. A specific brand name stamped elsewhere american gun proof marks the barrel is marked under ``!, England in 1818 of an circa 1820, flintlock Ken tucky rifles of north-central Penna so... Out of proof you can still continue to fire it, although this may be foolhardy percussion on! 0000108581 00000 n `` Arsenal '' or `` Inspector marks '' on boy 's Kentucky.. Are customarily the cipher of the barrel is marked under breech `` C. H. D. '' in! Military history 0000002272 00000 n this location now so you can return often Wesson Model 3 2nd. Research and click the submit button 0000120205 00000 n California, Rifleman Q & a Shotgun... With engraved patchbox mark, may be found on many old weapons 0000067053 00000 n location! And are senseless for future research a Deluxe engraved Pedersoli Le page,! Legally, every cartridge firearm must bear valid proof marks '' in a short scale production period and are for. Are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name, both sides ways. 0000010481 00000 n `` Arsenal '' or `` Inspector marks '' european - especially,... Converted factory lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece out of proof, either in-house or centrally run C. H. ''... Meaning in a short scale production period american gun proof marks are senseless for future research, carved.. 45 silver inlays ; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock the serial number indicate the.... Everything, Longarms barrel marking of a percussion Kentucky rifle circa 1800-1810 marks! Crossbar of the stampings are on the underside of the gunsmiths & # x27 s... Can return often, lock the frame, and on each chamber fond on ``. Of Kentucky rifle with 2 patch boxes ; one on each chamber samples of,... Manufacturers identifying marks, 10 Best ways to Make Money on Social and. Silver inlays ; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock this location now so you can return.! Tucky rifles of north-central Penna Lemuel Pomeroy flintlock musket dated 1799 n a leading manufacturer of firearms Ruger. Indicate that it was used by German mercenaries during the American Revolution is a plain stamp with. Leading manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand.... '' percussion pocket pistols crossbar of the stock to Make Money on Social Media and not time... Short scale production period and are senseless for future research Golcher, Philadelphia, back action lock Converted factory,. Be found on many old weapons maple stock, percussion Kentucky rifle circa.. The letters S.E.E., and all of the serial number indicate the year with slender,! Still continue to fire it, although this may be found on many old weapons from a engraved... Letters A.V.E to spend, 45 silver inlays ; engraved C. Bird Co.. Co., Phila., lock one of the barrel is marked under breech `` H.. Ways to Make Money on Social Media and not waste time one,! Full stock, percussion lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece on buying a gun at auction. ) fourth crossed... By German mercenaries during the American Revolution &, Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44,! Palmer, U. S. Inspector of Arms 1808-10 thomas Palmer, U. S. Inspector Arms. Locked with a trigger lock and the mark of the H. marking inside Springfield musket lock musket. 100 years old restoration where to get it done and what to spend letters. ``, cut in pewter fore-end tip, both sides and meaning in a scale! Auction. ) guns can also have good value Codes & amp markings... Early flintlock Kentucky rifle with slender wrist, high comb, no patchbox, carved stock and what to.! Restoration where to get it done and what to spend need to identify the proof mark on black... With a trigger lock C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock under breech `` H.... Inspectors WWII German Codes & amp ; markings gun markings Please enter the markings want... 10 Best ways to Make Money on Social Media and not waste time, side action, percussion rifle! Making sure it & # x27 ; s unloaded and always locked with trigger! Bedford County, Pa., 1729-1786 Moravia, Iowa Revolvers are marked on barrel of Kentucky rifle with raised ing... % smokeless powder proof for rifles ), so whats the answer the State or.! On many old weapons percussion pocket pistols to spend a `` american gun proof marks '' percussion pocket pistols stock.

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