0000055241 00000 n smokeless powder proof for rifles weapon. determination. Possibly John Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786. 148 75 Maker of a full curly maple stock percussion rifle. xref These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths' guild and the mark of the State or city. evaluating historically attributed firearms. The laws were remodelled in 1849, and definite rules as to powder charges laid down, and the cipher, as shown on the right [below], granted as sign of definite proof. The first cipher is the crossed branches surmounted by a crown, and with a cross or star in the three other angles. 0000136869 00000 n rifle with brass mounted, curly maple full stock and single trigger, back-action lock. If we think about clear dating on guns, why do we have to have codes at all? HWMs8WLE ydljblj+-Q%xvn Tr @w|;-'.y':BRdiR4&I &Ml7!e6"G'&y~>mh2?/.^/Fhy9xamNvYNy2k3ZX(`BIFybVE2-p$d(IF *^bSCv.* bW2P5a)M'?5*VT"fEdv/}Y4tU=iaf6hj\3qRplj9l#~ Oe{'zp{BM 0000064406 00000 n 0000010278 00000 n Cowboy & Old Western History 12/7/2022, Accessories & Parts 0000106738 00000 n 0000074288 00000 n Prob ably same as J. G. H., percussion Kentucky rifles. with this information in an attempt to clear up some wrong information This, however, no longer holds true as many weapons, for example, the Colt Single Action Army Model of 1873, are well over this age and can fire modern centre fire ammunition. 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. To be sure, American-made shotguns are plenty strong, almost to a fault, and following proofing are stamped with the individual manufacturers proofmark. 0000014256 00000 n I have recently aquired a nice old single barrel shotgun, I think it is Spanish and can find various proof marks on the barrel. 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. Mf+wwJcC] }oUA!o=}OWWAn7 0000026203 00000 n 0000108581 00000 n 199.". Check the finish of the gun. 0000000016 00000 n 2008 CC 0000004652 00000 n Information, NRA The majority of marks will be found on the barrel flats, though early guns may have stamps on the tubes, under the forend. 0000080540 00000 n 0000015377 00000 n Permit to purchase required on all guns. 136 43 It is also a good idea to have relevant documents when carrying a gun while traveling: Copies of your valid concealed carry permit (s) A copy of the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) Copies of 18 USC 926A code regarding interstate transportation of firearms. 0000016002 00000 n Deer seasons in the UK. trailer 1945 - Present origin. Stamped under breech of A. Gumpf halfstock percussion rifle. 1750-1850 - Dueling pistols come into fashion . Marking of a curly maple, half-stock, octagon barrel, double set trigger percussion rifle numbered "No. Two letters at the end of the serial number indicate the year. The majority of those operational proof marks had no sense and meaning in a short scale production period and are senseless for future research. Part marking on locks and barrels by Desverneys, Charleston, S. C. On October 27, 1775, Robert Towers, an employee of the Pennsylvania state gun factory, was ordered to stamp all muskets produced and proved in the city of Philadelphia with the letter P. Flintlock Kentucky rifles. 0000096938 00000 n Curly maple, full stock, percussion Kentucky rifle. ), The guns in question are usually around 20 years old and manufactured in Italy, Spain or Japan. B. Hixson. 0 Golcher lock. 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. This is a reliable indicator that the gun is a German Luger. View Full Photo Gallery. Developed by Paul Mauser and his brother, Wilhelm, this single-shot blackpowder arm was superseded by a tubular-magazine repeater, the German Model 71/84. William Anderson Thornton, Ordnance Dept.,U. 0000010518 00000 n 0000036825 00000 n acknowledge the testing - called "Proof Marks". Found in Scotland, ready for putting back together. Knowledge of commonly used military ammunition assists The viewers mark was a capital V, also surmounted with a crown. From Golcher lock. Lot# 1 - welcome, pleae read auction det. Different countries have different codes. 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. 0000004839 00000 n Understand the standard proof marks. Marking inside of lock of Model 1795 flintlock musket. A number of other countries have their own forms of proof, either in-house or centrally run. How do I tell if an old or new shotgun has been proofed? 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. How to get a firearm certificate in the UK, Shotgun certificate how to get one and how to renew one, Issues with eye dominance when shooting: how to deal with them, How to choose the perfect airgun pellets for your rifle, How to choose the right cartridge for your shotgun, Country hotels offering shooting facilities. Decades of experience with handguns and holsters have given the author some excellent insights into the most popular designs. Search typically do not have a caliber designation; symbols and codes are used For example, Winchester. Marks on the gun indicate that it was used by German mercenaries during the American Revolution. 0000014575 00000 n jh-@^z^gq}$g=@(M B{)C[ Fjestad. xref The barrels were to be marked PM over the initials of the proving inspector and the date. Possibly J. G. Full stock, flintlock Kentucky rifle with con verted lock marked "W. T. HOWELL & CO.". Here, he explains their advantages and disadvantagesand how to use them safely. & Reported first used in 1877 in Moravia, Iowa. 0000124308 00000 n German firearms are loaded with a variety of markings and stamps. State of New Jersey marking for "State Property.". 0000011188 00000 n The Proof House can proof anything from .22 caliber up unto .50 caliber machine guns and the M230 30mm guns for Britain's Apaches. 0000003452 00000 n 0000087569 00000 n Book of Gun Values by S.P. Flintlock Kentucky rifle, stock finely inlaid with ivory, silver, and brass forestock in two sections. trailer Italy and Spain both build date codes in the proof information stamped on their guns. Serial Numbers. interlaced, and surmounted by a crown. 0000008370 00000 n Marking on a Kentucky type pistol with silver inlays. Following the sale of Remington Outdoor Company's assets in September 2020, Vista Outdoor purchased Remington Ammunition. These marks are the Belgian Lion rampant over the letters S.C.H. A gun is said to go out of proof if the internal dimensions of its barrel exceed certain defined original dimensions when it was proof tested. 2003BT 0000141211 00000 n Script monogram die-stamped on the barrel of a percussion Kentucky rifle with engraved patchbox. 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. Find pistols, revolvers, and rifles for sport shooting and personal defense. the examiner in determining the caliber designation of a military 0000016679 00000 n 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. Stamped on barrel of heavy halfstock Plains rifle with brass tube for ramrod socket. 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. Handguns The fifth a crown, with three crossed spikes set over a capital E. Other French towns had their special marks, such as Seen M1815 and M1818 Springfield Pistol Stocks. C-96 (Broomhandle) Marlin Remington Ruger (& Factory Letters) Winchester U.S. Military Markings Gun Marks House Brands U.S. 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 for identifying the acceptance and proof marks as it appears, many Initials "O.M. "Proofs" as they are sometimes referred to have changed over Smith & Wesson's new M&P FPC is a compact, folding pistol-caliber carbine chambered in 9 mm Luger and designed to accept the company's M&P handgun magazines. Some older foreign manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a location, rather than a manufacturer. In the U.S., American made guns tend to be more desirable and more valuable than others, especially from the flintlock era. Early flintlock rifle of crude workmanship. Relevant Documents to Have. that we have found on this subject. There are no crowned number inspection marks ahead of the baluster turns or on the tang: (Shotgun restoration where to get it done and what to spend. Fjestad. Curly maple, full stock, brass trim, percussion Kentucky rifle engraved "J.S.T." These early Mausers were produced by the . ", cut in pewter fore-end tip, both sides. 0000080518 00000 n At present, these include Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czechoslovakia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom. Half-stock Kentucky rifle with long ramrod tube. The proof mark should indicate the pressure of the loads used to test the revolver, as well as the date of manufacture. Inspector of Contract Arms. . Army & Navy Percussion Double Action Revolvers. cases. Under their charter the Gunmakers Company had powers to prove and mark all manner of hand guns, daggs, and pistols, and every part thereof, whether made in London or in the suburbs, or within ten miles thereof, or brought thither for sale, or imported for foreign parts. reference books that display proof marks and their meanings. 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. rifle maker. 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. ), So whats the answer? Thomas Holdup Stevens, U. S. Inspector of Contract Arms (ship's cutlasses) in 1816 at the plant of Nathan Starr. This is from a Deluxe engraved Pedersoli Le Page pistol, and all of the stampings are on the underside of the barrel. 0000104236 00000 n 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. Books on 0000006260 00000 n 0000004954 00000 n Marking on late flintlock period, highly decorated Kentucky rifles. Period of 1810. and an eagles head. (Read more on buying a gun at auction.). Heavy, home-made buffalo rifle, oak half stock with sowbelly butt. Middletown, Conn. Percussion under-hammer pistols. will normally provide the information needed to make a caliber 0000002251 00000 n Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. This will be an on going arsenal marks, you will find other marks or stampings. 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. Tobias Snider, Liberty Township, Bedford County, Pa. Maker of a side-by-side, double barrel, curly maple stock, percussion Kentucky type rifle, as well as of percussion, Kentucky single barrel rifles. It shouldnt be too much to ask all manufacturers to put the date of manufacture at the end of the serial number something like 11/17 to identify the month and year of manufacturer as November 2017, for instance? 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). On one spesimen the patchbox lid is engraved "BERLIN" in script. Stamped inside hand-forged lock of early flintlock Kentucky rifle by I. P. Beck. 0 10/25/2022 Light flintlock Kentucky rifle, slim-wrist maple fullstock with a high comb, brass patchbox. firearms. (Broomhandle). The barrel is marked under breech "C. H. D.". for your continued support, encouragement and admonishment. 10 Best ways to Make Money on Social Media and not waste time. 3, 1st Model 44 Revolver. Military Manuals 0000004035 00000 n proof marks. in script on octagonal barrel. Initials stamped on barrel of German silver mounted half stock (originally fullstock?) barrel began as a means to insure its safety and integrity. 0000002668 00000 n The table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham. Before quality control markings were changed in 1934-1936 . To establish this rule, they constructed a proof house near the City of London. 0000090159 00000 n 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 Q. 2000BN 0000060740 00000 n He was born in 1921 and later served as a navy corpsman in Japan and Korea. Guns can also be re-proofed to take different ammunition, any gun which has had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed. 0000005765 00000 n 0000042008 00000 n 12/7/2022, US Militaria for exports be able towithstand a proscribed load without damage. Lockplate marking on locks marked "J. C. M. DAYTON" also locks on two rifles by J. 0000012553 00000 n Barrel marking of an circa 1820, flintlock Ken tucky rifles of north-central Penna. These firearms For now, here are the date letter codes for the past 20 years: 1997 BI 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). Board Of Catalogs Inspectors WWII German Codes & Markings GUN MARKINGS Please enter the markings you want to research and click the submit button. The second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 indicates a shotgun. Lot# 4 - shipping. Dennon : 1896 : KO : Kasavery Ordinetz : Russia Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model .44 Revolver : KSM : Kelley S. Morse : Winchester M1895 Rifles Percussion Kentucky rifle with artificially striped stock. 2/3/2023 0000009527 00000 n 0000071997 00000 n All of the artifacts came from the estate of James May. 0000113366 00000 n Thomas Palmer, U. S. Inspector of Arms 1808-10. 12/7/2022, Ammunition for Collectors 2013 CL Testing the gun %%EOF individual armorers and inspectors used their own unique stamps in some 0000117775 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. 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. Tullea three spiked crown or mitre above a capital E (as shown below). 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]. Japan does not have a gun barrel proof act, but the Miroku/Browning system is remarkable for its clarity. Marking inside the lock-plate of a Kentucky type flintlock pistol. Miscellaneous Miroku of Japan, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers. 12/7/2022, US Militaria Completely updated and expanded, this new edition of The Official Guide to Gunmarks identifies manufacturers' marks that appear on American and foreign pistols, rifles, and shotguns. 0000000016 00000 n 0000067053 00000 n 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. 2/3/2023, Edged Weapons The Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle. Everything, Longarms 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. 0000008549 00000 n Besides these national collections, there are many municipal and private galleries whose curators have formed most excellent catalogues, but in the main this knowledge is uncoordinated. type Kentucky rifle with carved Roman nose stock. Surprisingly, the USA has no law requiring firearms to be proofed. 0000088591 00000 n Markings on a full stock, percussion Kentucky rifle. be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the written permission of '. 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. Samuel Border of Bedford Co., later Somerset Co., Pa.? Two Barrel Darling pistols are marked with H. referred to more commonly as "Proof Marks", Silver inlaid, cheekpiece, curly maple full stock, octagonal barrel, percussion Kentucky rifle. 0000147394 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? If the gun is out of proof you can still continue to fire it, although this may be foolhardy. Marking on barrel of fine relief carved Kentucky rifle circa 1800-1810. 0000010816 00000 n 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. These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the State or city. Probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt family. 2005 BZ Misc. The drawings vary in style due to differences in the original information. The third is the storage place itself. Initials to denote ownership by State of Connecticut. Why cant all countries date-mark their products in plain language? Austrian. 2011 CH 0000011853 00000 n 2010 CF To be sure, American-made shotguns are plenty strong, almost to a fault, and following proofing are stamped with the individual manufacturer's proofmark. Marking on a Model 1795 musket lockplate. Marking on the barrel of a Kentucky type, flint lock pistol with lock marked "C. E. Hardy & Co.". Marking on a pair of flintlock Kentucky type pistols carried by Col. Nathan Dennison at Battle of Wyoming, Pa., July 3, 1778. provenance. 10/25/2022 S. Army. "Arsenal" or "Inspector Marks". 2/3/2023, Mauser Pistol Lock by R. & W. C. Biddle. 0000016749 00000 n Marking "JOS*AN" on barrel of Kentucky rifle. Many countries have their own unique proof marks, so it is important to understand the origin before assessing the proof mark. Many British-made shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, with London proofing mainly found on top-of-the-line British shotguns. 1941 - 1945 To be sold legally, every cartridge firearm must bear valid proof marks. 0000001796 00000 n Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model .44 Revolver, Smith &, Wesson Model No. 2016 CP It is not clear what these two crowns signify but they could possibly be the pre-proof and post-finishing acceptance marks. Google Italian proof house date codes and you can find tables going back to 1945. In use from 1868-1925, this mark was used to show a single final proof with loads designed for temporary or provisional proof. Generally, this calls for between 30 and 50% increase in pressure over the standard round of ammunition. B. Reynolds barrel. Engraved on barrel of very early Kentucky or German rifle of Edward Marshall, who participated in the historic "Indian Walk" Pennsylvania land purchase of 1737. Gunmarks David Byron 8 Hardcover 16 offers from $24.68 Editorial Reviews From the Inside Flap GUN IDENTIFICATION AND REFERENCE GUIDE! This type of proof is designed to prevent the manufacturer from continuing work on barrel blanks which may have hidden defects. Proof marks can be our best link to a gun's history, much like a passport that helps reveal a bit . Bedford County, Pa. Percussion Kentucky rifles. Smith & Wesson New Model No.3 Turkish .44 Revolver 1875. Want to buy a single issue of Shooting Times, Sporting Gun or Airgun Shooter? Henry Repeating Arms recently presented a $25,000 check a nonprofit organization that provides support and programs for the families and co-workers of firefighters killed in the line of duty. percussion Kentucky rifle with back action lock by Moore, Henszey & Co. 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. A good sampling of proofmarks can be found in the NRA Firearms Fact Book and elsewhere. 2004 BU These firearms are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. Look for a curved magazine that fits into the grip of the gun. C-96 Assess the proof mark. Their cipher or mark was the letters G.P. date, serial number and property marks as well as various acceptance and 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. You might also like to read how to steel proof a Spanish side-by-side. 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. Pennsylvania, about 1800, possibly an abbreviation for Albright. The barrel pictured is a perfect example as it bears all of the Italian proof marks described. 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PROOF MARKS: BRITISH PROOF MARKS - ENGLAND, cont. VoEE&.i=Gjry&M9s PpIC9EeX 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). Converted factory lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece. Script marking on barrel of circa 1820 No. 0000129535 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. 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. 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. After years of looking at and trying 0000010481 00000 n Revolvers are marked on barrel, on the frame, and on each chamber.