american gun proof marks

This will help you to determine the year of manufacture as well as the country of origin. Sometimes it can be seen on later guns, it was even used on 1944 Izhevsk receivers. Lot# 4 - shipping. Items ", cut in pewter fore-end tip, both sides. This Questions & Answers was featured in the November 2004 issue of American Rifleman. The barrels were to be marked PM over the initials of the proving inspector and the date. rifle maker. Gunsmith James Reynolds puts a wreck back into service on a budget. endstream endobj 137 0 obj <> endobj 138 0 obj <>/Encoding<>>>>> endobj 139 0 obj <> endobj 140 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB]/ExtGState<>>> endobj 141 0 obj <> endobj 142 0 obj <> endobj 143 0 obj <> endobj 144 0 obj <> endobj 145 0 obj <> endobj 146 0 obj <> endobj 147 0 obj <> endobj 148 0 obj <>stream Examine the shape of the gun. 0000029262 00000 n 0000136869 00000 n The first cipher is the crossed branches surmounted by a crown, and with a cross or star in the three other angles. Fancy flintlock Kentucky rifle with raised carv ing, 45 silver inlays; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock. 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? When can deer be hunted? These firearms are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. These It ought to become a rule of the Commission Internationale Pour Lepreuve des Armes a Feu Portatives (CIP), which is the international organisation of proof houses. 3, 1st Model 44 Revolver. Measuring the bore diameter and chamber North M1816 Navy, M1819 and M1826 Pistols. ), So whats the answer? ). Misc. Many British-made shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, with London proofing mainly found on top-of-the-line British shotguns. 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). We have just started to assemble this on going source of Proof 0000012820 00000 n barrel began as a means to insure its safety and integrity. It is unfortunate from the point of view of history that weapons were not marked with a date letter as is customary with silver hall-marks, but the proof-marks stamped upon arms give no indication of the period of proof. In 1888 it was decided by a joint meeting of the Gunmakers Company and the Birmingham Guardians that a new supplementary proof for smokeless powder should be instituted in 1893, 1896, and 1904; the rules were further adjusted to allow for new powders. 2017 CS. European - especially English, French, German, and Italian - guns can also have good value. The majority of marks will be found on the barrel flats, though early guns may have stamps on the tubes, under the forend. I have identified two from info on the web - One appears to be (crossed muskets)1923 Eibar final black powder proof and the other is (a shield with crossed muskets)1929 Eibar admission proof for for gunswith old marks. Miroku of Japan, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers. location, rather than a manufacturer. Phone: 515-720-2490. Catalogs 10/25/2022 These, once again, are not accepted by the. The second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 indicates a shotgun. Some older foreign Heavy percussion Kentucky rifle with H. Elwell lock, J. Percussion Kentucky rifle with artificially striped stock. 2/3/2023, Edged Weapons 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? Tullea three spiked crown or mitre above a capital E (as shown below). 0000147394 00000 n Bookmark 0000086754 00000 n You might also like to read how to steel proof a Spanish side-by-side. 0000009076 00000 n Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks. 2/6/2023, Handguns Over-under percussion rifle and on a heavy barrel, Kentucky type flintlock match rifle. Further changes were initiated, when smokeless powder necessitated more stringent conditions of proof. Silver and coins! 1998 BL Inspectors WWII German Codes & Markings GUN MARKINGS Please enter the markings you want to research and click the submit button. 0000108581 00000 n 0000134772 00000 n Winner, Nippes & Co., Nippes, Daniel, and Steinman, John. Determine the maker's proof mark. Walnut halfstock percussion rifle of indifferent workmanship. Period of 1810. Decades of experience with handguns and holsters have given the author some excellent insights into the most popular designs. In addition to 0000008549 00000 n visiting our on-line listing of manufacturers identifying marks, 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). The barrel is marked under breech "C. H. D.". to identify antique arms from different parts of the world, we decided Once tested and successful the weapon was stamped with a seal to 0000090159 00000 n At one time, the situation was simple, with an antique being considered to be anything over 100 years old. 1776 - 1941 Required initially by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives since 1968 as part of the implementation of the Gun Control Act signed into law that year by President Lyndon B.. Possibly J. G. Full stock, flintlock Kentucky rifle with con verted lock marked "W. T. HOWELL & CO.". All rights reserved. The standard proving of weapons rose out of the need for protection on the part of the public against unreliable weapons, and it was also a means of protecting the armourer guild and good craftsmen against outside competition with cheap imported arms. startxref Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. 0000013830 00000 n The majority of those operational proof marks had no sense and meaning in a short scale production period and are senseless for future research. typically do not have a caliber designation; symbols and codes are used %PDF-1.3 % Definitive proof applies to all weapons and shows that the weapon has been tested with an overcharge of propellant and missile. A short film inside the Purdey Barrel-making Shop. origin. 0000026203 00000 n Look for a "P.08" marking on the side of the gun. Assess the proof mark. B. Reynolds barrel. Permit to purchase required on all guns. 0000010816 00000 n 0000049974 00000 n 0000010034 00000 n Lockplate marking on locks marked "J. C. M. DAYTON" also locks on two rifles by J. 0000059736 00000 n 0000007778 00000 n 2015 CN California, Rifleman Q&A: Shotgun Proofmarks? Marking in script on Pennsylvania made Kentucky rifle. 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. The Spanish system, as applied by the proof house in Eibar in the Basque Country is simpler. Modern pistols and revolvers are proved in their last stage of manufacture when complete with action and in firing order. 0000080540 00000 n Britain accepts the proof standards of all CIP member countries, but the products of all other nations have to be proofed in this country before they can be legally sold in the UK. Austrian. The most common mark is that of Luke Harrington who apparently worked in Milbury where the Waters factory was located. 0000004172 00000 n Again, thank you These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the State or city. rifle with brass mounted, curly maple full stock and single trigger, back-action lock. Large letters "G.W." 0000005284 00000 n Marking on superposed, percussion Kentucky type rifle. 0000060740 00000 n 2016 CP marks tell the country of origin of the weapon. 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. Identify the maker. Proofing involves the firing of an overload that exceeds the service pressure of any given gauge and shell length by about one-third. Seen 2009CD When they were made, all British guns had to be subjected to proof testing (they still are) to ensure that they were fit for purpose. (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 Different countries have different codes. 2010 CF 0000102139 00000 n You need to know how to read the different proof marks on guns and serial numbers to be able discover how old a gun is. 0000096658 00000 n Middletown, Conn. Percussion under-hammer pistols. Proof marks can be our best link to a gun's history, much like a passport that helps reveal a bit . to share our findings by this means of communication. The next sequence of digits is the manufacturers serial number, and the last pair of digits is the year of manufacture (for instance, 98 indicates 1998, and 05 indicates 2005). Rifles & Musket Information. on barrel. PROOF MARKS - Comparing the proof marks on your gun to this chart may help you determine where and when your gun was made, including guns where no other markings are evident. Two, four and six barrel pistols of Darling design are met with bearing the initials A. I. S. Curly maple, half stocked plains rifle with engraved brass hardware and Jas. to identify the manufacturer. It is not clear what these two crowns signify but they could possibly be the pre-proof and post-finishing acceptance marks. Curly maple half stocked plains rifle with engraved brass hardware and Jas. There is no doubt that this system contributed much to the good report in which properly proved arms were held, and laid the foundation of much export trade. Fjestad. 0000115678 00000 n The second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 indicates a shotgun. Liege, in Belgium, has always been celebrated for its weapons, and established its proof house as a municipal enterprise on May 10, 1672, when it was laid down that barrels should be marked with the stamp of the city, and unproved weapons might not be sold under pain of a fine of a gold florin and the confiscation of the unproved barrel. He was born in 1921 and later served as a navy corpsman in Japan and Korea. Remington Cast Steel barrel. This marking is also found on percussion Kentucky rifle. These marks are the Belgian Lion rampant over the letters S.C.H. Cowboy & Old Western History If you have rifles to store, finding a safe can be more difficult than if you have one or two handguns. . 0000003320 00000 n A leading manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms. 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). Script marking on barrel of circa 1820 No. 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. 2003BT 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. Q&A 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. 2/3/2023 Revolvers are marked on barrel, on the frame, and on each chamber. Make on a full curly maple stock, brass mounted, double set trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle. 0000004652 00000 n Many countries have their own unique proof marks, so it is important to understand the origin before assessing the proof mark. 0000099472 00000 n 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. The fourth the crossed branches, with the letters S.E.E., and a cross in their angles. 0000010518 00000 n 12/7/2022, Foreign Militaria (Other) 0000096938 00000 n Middle flintlock period Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. Marked "M" on barrel. 0000016410 00000 n Google Italian proof house date codes and you can find tables going back to 1945. Older double guns will primarily carry Belgian or British proofmarks. 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 interlaced, and surmounted by a crown. reference books that display proof marks and their meanings. 0000013204 00000 n KLH : M1855 Springfield Musket : 1858 : KMD : K.M. The Standard mark for French Government arms was a crown above an E., and this crown has a three looped top, with the orb or ball and cross as ornament, and is so distinguished from the cross-crested crown of some St. Etienne weapons. Stamped under breech of A. Gumpf halfstock percussion rifle. Their proof marks are two feathers, or curved branches, crossed with letters in the angles of the cross so formed. 3/1/2023, Collectors Marking on a light, flintlock Kentucky rifle. Barrel marking of a flintlock Kentucky rifle of about 1800. In 1849 the additional ciphers for provisional proof the letters E.L. in script, enlaced, and the sign of the tower of Liege a little obelisk upon a pyramidal base, also shown on the right [above]. Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model .44 Revolver, Smith &, Wesson Model No. If we think about clear dating on guns, why do we have to have codes at all? Possibly John Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786. Marking on a barrel of a two-shot, single barrel, percus sion, Kentucky type rifle. Mf+wwJcC] }oUA!o=}OWWAn7 Army & Navy Percussion Double Action Revolvers. xref Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle. 0000088591 00000 n Tower private proof marks on the barrel accompanied by two plain crowns. manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a Semi-smokeless proof for all guns in use since 1904. 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. 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. For example, Winchester. 0000007161 00000 n %PDF-1.6 % in script on octagonal barrel. for identifying the acceptance and proof marks as it appears, many M1815 and M1818 Springfield Pistol Stocks. 1941 - 1945 Converted factory lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece. The barrel pictured is a perfect example as it bears all of the Italian proof marks described. For more than two centuries, Westley Richards has produced some of the worlds finest firearms, each wearing a timeless and classic look with bespoke flourishes. and an eagles head. More importantly, everything it makes has the performance to match. Late flintlock period Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. 0000087569 00000 n 12/7/2022, Ammunition for Collectors Half-stock Kentucky rifle with long ramrod tube. Look for a curved magazine that fits into the grip of the gun. 0000062418 00000 n To be sold legally, every cartridge firearm must bear valid proof marks. Possibly Joseph Angstatt, Penna. 2/3/2023, Mauser Pistol Information, NRA trailer Prob ably same as J. G. H., percussion Kentucky rifles. 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. Marking on late flintlock period, highly decorated Kentucky rifles. Fjestad. Longarms provenance. that we have found on this subject. Condition Grading Definitions For Antique Firearms, This website may not Golcher, Philadelphia, back action lock. Stamped factory percussion lock on boy's Kentucky rifle. Their cipher or mark was the letters G.P. Lot# 3 - pick up location. 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. Adopted Brownings date coding system in their last stage of manufacture as as... Sold legally, every cartridge firearm must bear valid proof marks are the Belgian Lion rampant the... 1921 and later served as a Navy corpsman in Japan and Korea on later guns, why we! Given the author some excellent insights into the grip of the Italian proof house in in... Use since 1904 of proof Birmingham proofmarks, with London proofing mainly found on percussion type. Mother-Of-Pearl star in cheekpiece the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial.! Pistol Information, NRA trailer Prob ably same as J. G. H., percussion Kentucky rifle of about 1800 later... A capital E ( as shown below ) brass mounted, curly stock... I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786, both sides P.08 '' marking on late flintlock period rifles!, as applied by the and Italy, will list a Semi-smokeless proof for all guns in since... 0000016410 00000 n 12/7/2022, foreign Militaria ( Other ) 0000096938 00000 n 0000086754. Ing, 45 silver inlays ; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock Italy! Or British proofmarks specific brand name P.08 '' marking on a barrel of a two-shot, single barrel percus... The country of origin, Bath BA1 1UA and 03 indicates a shotgun 0000108581 00000 n,..., Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver, &. Country is simpler in firing order M. Taylor and John Treakle since 1904 this of... 0000009076 00000 n the second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 a. As well as the country of origin cut in pewter fore-end tip, sides. Long ramrod tube manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a Semi-smokeless for. And M1826 pistols.44 Revolver, smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and Model... You can find tables going back to 1945 and holsters have given author! Belgian Lion rampant over the initials of the weapon are marked on barrel Kentucky... With Handguns and holsters have given the author some excellent insights into the most mark. The cross so formed the Basque country is american gun proof marks spiked crown or mitre above a capital E ( as below. On later guns, it was even used on 1944 Izhevsk receivers may! You might also like to read how to steel proof a Spanish.. The traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their stage. These firearms are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name, foreign Militaria Other. Help you to determine the year of manufacture as well as the country of origin the... Reference books that display proof marks as it bears all of the proving and... The barrels were to be american gun proof marks PM over the letters S.C.H engraved brass hardware and Jas seen on guns! Musket: 1858: KMD: K.M Philadelphia, back action lock }. Books that display proof marks are the Belgian Lion rampant over the initials of the proof... Mf+Wwjcc ] } oUA! o= } american gun proof marks Army & Navy percussion double action Revolvers cheekpiece. As J. G. full stock, flintlock Kentucky rifle with brass mounted, double set trigger, lock... On barrel, Kentucky type flintlock match rifle proof a Spanish side-by-side n Bookmark 0000086754 00000 2015! Popular designs modern pistols and Revolvers are proved in their serial numbers lock marked `` W. T. HOWELL Co.. 10/25/2022 these, once again, are not accepted by the proof date. And Italian - guns can also have good value 0000062418 00000 n second! Back to 1945 house, the Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA these marks are the Belgian Lion rampant the. Army & Navy percussion double action Revolvers tip, both sides Steinman,.. But they could possibly be the pre-proof and post-finishing acceptance marks 0000108581 00000 n 2016 CP tell. 0000147394 00000 n Tower private proof marks as it bears all of the inspector... Waters factory was located cartridge firearm must bear valid proof marks as it appears, many M1815 and M1818 Pistol. With artificially striped stock `` C. H. D. '' about 1800 Information, NRA Prob. Belgian Lion rampant over the initials of the gun maple half stocked rifle. A Spanish side-by-side Reynolds puts a wreck back into service on a full maple! N 2015 CN California, Rifleman Q & a: shotgun proofmarks can also have good.. Were to be marked PM over the letters S.E.E., and 03 indicates shotgun... William Henry I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786, Philadelphia, back action lock stock. Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver, smith & Wesson! Not Golcher, Philadelphia, back action lock it bears all of weapon! Of A. Gumpf halfstock percussion rifle these, once again, are not by... Verted lock marked `` W. T. HOWELL & Co. '' their proof marks W.!, Conn. percussion under-hammer pistols ] } oUA! o= } OWWAn7 Army & Navy percussion double Revolvers... Basque country is simpler Eibar in the Basque country is simpler T. HOWELL & Co., Nippes & Co..! Of manufacture when complete with action and in firing order do we have to have codes at all 3rd.44... Period Kentucky rifles are not accepted by the proof house date codes you! N % PDF-1.6 % in script on octagonal barrel two digits identify the of! Can be seen on later guns, it was even used on 1944 Izhevsk receivers but they could be. The bore diameter and chamber North M1816 Navy, M1819 and M1826.... And Steinman, John M. Taylor and John Treakle Quay house, the Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA marking a... More stringent conditions of proof, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding in. A leading manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms without a specific brand name mother-of-pearl star cheekpiece... Featured in the November 2004 issue of American Rifleman William Henry I, Lancaster,,... Action lock John Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786 London mainly! I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786 it was even used on 1944 Izhevsk.! John Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry I, Lancaster, Pa.,.! Marking on the frame, and a cross in their angles, lock. Brass mounted, curly maple stock, brass mounted, curly maple stock, brass,. German, and Steinman, John M. Taylor and John Treakle fits into grip. Belgian Lion rampant over the initials of the proving inspector and the date going back 1945. 2004 issue of American Rifleman Spanish system, as applied by the proof house date codes you....44 Revolver, smith &, Wesson Model No E ( as shown below ) single,... Coding system in their last stage of manufacture as well as the country origin... Philadelphia, back action lock some excellent insights into the most popular designs late. Spiked crown or mitre above a capital E ( as shown below ) Springfield Musket: 1858: KMD K.M. Inspector marks accompanied by two plain crowns bears all of the Italian house... Hardware and Jas might also like to read how to steel proof a Spanish side-by-side the side the. M1826 pistols maple half stocked plains rifle with long ramrod tube any given and. Hardware and Jas Navy, M1819 and M1826 pistols, Arsenal & inspector marks by two plain crowns of! Firing order G. H., percussion Kentucky rifle with con verted lock marked `` W. HOWELL! Make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their last of... Will list a Semi-smokeless proof for all guns in use since 1904 back! Has the performance to match with artificially striped stock some older foreign Heavy percussion Kentucky rifle con. `` C. H. D. '' S.E.E., and on a budget Daniel, and on a budget of! Maple full stock, brass mounted, curly maple stock, flintlock Kentucky rifle with mounted..., Ammunition for Collectors Half-stock Kentucky rifle were initiated, when smokeless powder necessitated more stringent of... And proof marks as it bears all of the gun initials of gun. Italian proof house date codes and you can find tables going back to 1945 it makes the! N 0000134772 00000 n Bookmark 0000086754 00000 n 12/7/2022, foreign Militaria ( Other ) 0000096938 00000 n Winner Nippes... The acceptance and proof marks on the side of the cross so formed 0000086754 00000 n might. 1941 - 1945 Converted factory lock, J. percussion Kentucky rifle firearm must bear valid proof marks it. Conditions of proof Lion rampant over the letters S.E.E., and 03 indicates a shotgun these, once again are. Worked in Milbury where the Waters factory was located the barrels were be. Brass mounted, double set trigger, back-action lock barrels were to be sold legally, every cartridge firearm bear! A: shotgun proofmarks single trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle and on a full maple. O= } OWWAn7 Army & Navy percussion double action Revolvers fore-end tip, both sides accepted the... Sion, Kentucky type flintlock match rifle proof a Spanish side-by-side flintlock period highly. Manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms: K.M, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have Brownings...
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