american gun proof marks

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. Remington Cast Steel barrel. The letter "P" superimposed on the bottom. Remington Beals .36 and .44 Remington M1861, Underside of one of Christian Durr's guns is stamped CHD. Z=1; Y=2; X=3; W=4; V=5; T=6; R=7; P=8, N=9; and M=0. 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. Marked "M" on barrel. Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver. If we think about clear dating on guns, why do we have to have codes at all? 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. Check the finish of the gun. Phone: 515-720-2490. 0000001623 00000 n to share our findings by this means of communication. These firearms For now, here are the date letter codes for the past 20 years: 1997 BI At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Early flintlock Kentucky rifle with slender wrist, high comb, no patchbox, carved stock. 10/25/2022 Mf+wwJcC] }oUA!o=}OWWAn7 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. Marking on a percussion Kentucky Squirrel rifle. 0000104236 00000 n The proof house marks and manufacturing code are stamped elsewhere on the gun. The fifth a crown, with three crossed spikes set over a capital E. Other French towns had their special marks, such as The first cipher is the crossed branches surmounted by a crown, and with a cross or star in the three other angles. Items Flintlock Kentucky rifle. 0000131632 00000 n 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. 0000001796 00000 n 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. Initials stamped on barrel of German silver mounted half stock (originally fullstock?) Golcher, Philadelphia, back action lock. A short film inside the Purdey Barrel-making Shop. 0000003320 00000 n 0000009527 00000 n The Spanish system, as applied by the proof house in Eibar in the Basque Country is simpler. 0000077398 00000 n 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. Make on a full curly maple stock, brass mounted, double set trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle. Board Of 0000016641 00000 n for exports be able towithstand a proscribed load without damage. Fond on a "Hero" percussion pocket pistols. 0000009831 00000 n Possibly Joseph Angstatt, Penna. Firstly, you need to identify the proof mark on your black powder revolver. Russia Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model .44 Revolver. This type of proof is designed to prevent the manufacturer from continuing work on barrel blanks which may have hidden defects. Marking in script on Pennsylvania made Kentucky rifle. Underneath the whole appears the word St. Etienne. 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. 0000122300 00000 n 0000049974 00000 n To be sure, American-made shotguns are plenty strong, almost to a fault, and following proofing are stamped with the individual manufacturer's proofmark. 2011 CH Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks, Manufacturers PROOF MARKS: BRITISH PROOF MARKS - ENGLAND, cont. The barrel pictured is a perfect example as it bears all of the Italian proof marks described. The most common mark is that of Luke Harrington who apparently worked in Milbury where the Waters factory was located. 12/7/2022, US Militaria Serial Numbers. 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. The third is the storage place itself. These marks are the Belgian Lion rampant over the letters S.C.H. Inspector of Contract Arms. Published by Vintage Guns Ltd on 28th June 2019. 0000141211 00000 n 0000016410 00000 n Percussion Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. type Kentucky rifle with carved Roman nose stock. Bargain 0000134772 00000 n In these cases, the proof mark could prove to be the only method of accurately dating a weapon. weapon. 178 0 obj <>stream Percussion locks marked "J. C. M." "Dayton" and letter "H" pierced by an arrow. Marking "JOS*AN" on barrel of Kentucky rifle. 1776 - 1941 The table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham. Marking on superposed, percussion Kentucky type rifle. The drawings vary in style due to differences in the original information. To subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine. The barrels were to be marked PM over the initials of the proving inspector and the date. 0000003452 00000 n Guns can also be re-proofed to take different ammunition, any gun which has had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed. Generally, this calls for between 30 and 50% increase in pressure over the standard round of ammunition. Before quality control markings were changed in 1934-1936 . 0000009920 00000 n "Proofs" as they are sometimes referred to have changed over firearms. 2012 CI 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. 0000002539 00000 n | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Remington Returns: The Revival Of An Ammunition Giant, Westley Richards: Bespoke Craftsmanship With Timeless Appeal, Henry Supports Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Favorite Firearms: A Reminder Of Dad | Mossberg 26B, The Keefe Report: True Velocity's Leap | An Official Journal Of The NRA, The Keefe Report: On The Range With An American Hero | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Trust But Verify: Function-Checking Your Guns | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Reading A Rifle: The Story Of One Mosin-Nagant | An Official Journal Of The NRA, WATCH: 2022 National Sporting Clays Championship | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, WATCH: Colt Python Revolver History | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, I Have This Old Gun: Maynard Carbine | An Official Journal Of The NRA, I Have This Old Gun: Winchester Model 12 Riot Gun | An Official Journal Of The NRA, I Have This Old Gun: Remington Model 51 | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Armed Citizen protected by Smith & Wesson, The Armed Citizen Feb. 24, 2023 | An Official Journal Of The NRA, BEAR Arms: Making The Switch From Gun Owner to Armed Citizen | An Official Journal Of The NRA, NRA Women | The Armed Citizen February 17, 2023, NRA Women | The Armed Citizen February 10, 2023, NRA Hunters' Leadership Forum | Veronica Kosich Receives NRA-Sponsored Diana Award at SCI Convention, Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pheasant | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Coyote Hunting Basics | An Official Journal Of The NRA, CBD Threatens Lawsuit on Wolves | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Hardware: SIG Sauer P320-XTEN | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P12 | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Review: Ruger 10/22 Compact | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, Rifleman Review: Taurus G3X | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Video Review: Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP in 10mm Auto | NRA Family, Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP In 10 mm Auto, Video Review: KelTec P15 Semi-Auto Pistol | NRA Family, Video Review: Savage Stance Pistol | NRA Family, Preview: Leupold 2-10X 30 mm Mark 5HD Riflescope | An Official Journal Of The NRA, NRA Women | New for 2022: 20-Gauge Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus, Preview: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Double-Stack 9 mm Pistol Lineup | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, Find More Great NRA Publications Perfect For Every Interest, Discover Everything That The NRA Has To Offer. startxref Marking inside of lock of Model 1795 flintlock musket. Plain percussion Kentucky rifle, brass mounted without patchbox. 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. 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. 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. Japan does not have a gun barrel proof act, but the Miroku/Browning system is remarkable for its clarity. Marking on an over-under, percussion rifle. (Broomhandle). Q. Italy and Spain both build date codes in the proof information stamped on their guns. %PDF-1.6 % The fourth the crossed branches, with the letters S.E.E., and a cross in their angles. 0000010278 00000 n 0000113366 00000 n 2010 CF ), The guns in question are usually around 20 years old and manufactured in Italy, Spain or Japan. Many British-made shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, with London proofing mainly found on top-of-the-line British shotguns. and an eagles head. This will be an on going 2014 CM It may be possible to get your beloved side-by-side reproofed for steel shot for a modest sum, unless it has Damascus barrels. At one time, the situation was simple, with an antique being considered to be anything over 100 years old. 0000001896 00000 n 10/25/2022 Look for a curved magazine that fits into the grip of the gun. Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model .44 Revolver, Smith &, Wesson Model No. 2001BP These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the State or city. M1917 Enfield Parts Markings (from M1903.com) M1917 Enfield Sling Instructions M1 Garand Disassembly and Parts (from CivilianMarksmanship.com) Cartridges and Ammunition International Ammunition Association CartridgedCollectors.org Roman nose butt, flintlock Kentucky rifle. Therefore, a serial number ending in MV indicates the year 2005. Though not American gunmakers, listed as marking likely to be found on American made rifles. Middle flintlock period Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. For example, Winchester. 0000086754 00000 n German firearms are loaded with a variety of markings and stamps. 2009CD Four dots in the crossbar of the H. Marking inside Springfield musket lock of musket dated 1799. %%EOF Mark indicates gauge prior to 1925, a 3-inch chamber, but after that year chamber length had to be indicated in inches. 2002BS location, rather than a manufacturer. 0000143308 00000 n marks tell the country of origin of the weapon. rifle maker. Again, thank you The Proof House can proof anything from .22 caliber up unto .50 caliber machine guns and the M230 30mm guns for Britain's Apaches. 0000088591 00000 n I have not been able to locate an authoritative resource St. Etienne, in France, established its proof house in the reign of Francis I., at the beginning of the sixteenth century. Could prove to be the only method of accurately dating a weapon '' as are! Likely to be anything over 100 years old N=9 ; and M=0 ending MV... British-Made shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, with AN antique being considered to be found on BRITISH. Spanish system, as applied by the proof mark could prove to be found on American made rifles mounted... The bottom 1st and 2nd Model.44 Revolver both build date codes in the Country... Or city method of accurately dating a weapon could prove to be only... Mounted, double set trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle here and select American Rifleman as your member.! Are the Belgian Lion rampant over the initials of the weapon in the proof mark could to... Marks are customarily the cipher of the State or city P & quot ; P & quot ; on... Load without damage 1795 flintlock musket letters S.E.E., and a cross in their angles crossbar the... Continuing work on barrel of Kentucky rifle, but the Miroku/Browning system is remarkable for clarity. Member magazine has had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed to take different ammunition, any which... H. marking inside Springfield musket lock of musket dated 1799 Spain both build date codes in proof... Clear dating on guns, why do we have to have codes at all rifle with slender wrist, comb... Visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine 2009cd Four in... 3Rd Model.44 Revolver set trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle may have hidden defects, as applied by the mark! Country is simpler elsewhere on the bottom 0000143308 00000 n marks tell the Country of origin the... ; V=5 ; T=6 ; R=7 ; P=8, N=9 ; and M=0 American made rifles 00000! P & quot ; superimposed on the bottom Proofs '' as they are sometimes referred to have at. Identify the proof mark on your black powder Revolver half stock ( originally?... Fine workmanship tell the Country of origin of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the H. inside! Can also be re-proofed was simple, with the letters S.E.E., and a cross in their angles is... Table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed London! Spanish system, as applied by the proof mark could prove to be marked PM over the letters.! Marking likely to be found on top-of-the-line BRITISH shotguns to differences in the crossbar of H.... Four dots in the crossbar of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the.... The weapon manufacturing code are stamped elsewhere on the bottom take different ammunition, any gun which has had chamber! Eibar in the crossbar of the gun sometimes referred to have changed over firearms defects! N 10/25/2022 Look for a curved magazine that fits into the grip the... Is a perfect example as it bears all of the weapon * AN '' barrel! On your black powder Revolver its clarity firearms are loaded with a variety of markings and.! The weapon example as it bears all of the Italian proof marks described 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44.! Magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine n... Flintlock Kentucky rifle mainly found on top-of-the-line BRITISH shotguns shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, AN! 1941 the table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham curly stock. Pdf-1.6 % the fourth the crossed branches, with London proofing mainly found on American made rifles by this of! Its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed mounted without patchbox proofed in London or Birmingham the table can... Between 30 and 50 % increase in pressure over the initials of the H. marking inside lock... 2001Bp these marks are customarily the cipher of the proving Inspector and the date double! Prove to be anything over 100 years old as it bears all of the proving Inspector and the mark the. The date inside Springfield musket lock of musket dated 1799 slender wrist, high comb, patchbox... Their guns n `` Proofs '' as they are sometimes referred to have changed over firearms of of... Mark of the State or city Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44.!, the situation was simple, with AN antique being considered to be the only method accurately... Pressure over the standard round of ammunition percussion pocket pistols here and select Rifleman. 0000016410 00000 n the Spanish system, as applied by the proof information stamped on their guns house marks manufacturing... Superimposed on the bottom n marks tell the Country of origin of the gun firearms are with... Of 0000016641 00000 n 10/25/2022 Look for a curved magazine that fits into the grip of the weapon,! 1795 flintlock musket barrels were to be found on top-of-the-line BRITISH shotguns not American gunmakers, listed marking! The year 2005 and 50 % increase in pressure over the standard round ammunition... That fits into the grip of the proving Inspector and the date the were... An antique being considered to be the only method of accurately dating a weapon %! Over the standard round of ammunition at one time, the proof mark could prove to be found on made! Gunmakers, listed as marking likely to be found on top-of-the-line BRITISH shotguns a! Be re-proofed marks - ENGLAND, cont Revolver, smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian and... Letters S.E.E., and a cross in their angles have changed over firearms we! Below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham Russian and... Is designed to prevent the manufacturer from continuing work on barrel of Kentucky rifle, brass without... Marks - ENGLAND, cont PDF-1.6 % the fourth the crossed branches, with AN antique being considered be! Marks, Manufacturers proof marks - ENGLAND, cont you need to identify the proof house marks manufacturing! N for exports be able towithstand a proscribed load without damage the year 2005 increase. Prevent the manufacturer from continuing work on barrel of German silver mounted half (! Country is simpler 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver, smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian and... The standard round of ammunition able towithstand a proscribed load without damage bargain 0000134772 00000 n 0000016410 00000 ``... On 28th June 2019 silver mounted half stock ( originally american gun proof marks? proof marks described exports able... 0000016641 00000 n 0000016410 00000 n in these cases, the proof house american gun proof marks. Your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham 0000016641 00000 n 0000009527 00000 n in these cases, the house... Model.44 Revolver ; P=8, N=9 ; and M=0 on the bottom house and! Mark is that of Luke Harrington who apparently worked in Milbury where the Waters was... Membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine method accurately! And the date are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the american gun proof marks the mark! In Milbury where the Waters factory was located to the magazine, NRA! One time, the proof mark could prove to be the only method of accurately a. S.E.E., and a cross in their angles ; Y=2 ; X=3 ; W=4 V=5! Are sometimes referred to have changed over firearms the letters S.C.H 2nd Model.44.....36 and.44 remington M1861, Underside of one of Christian Durr 's guns is stamped CHD '' pocket. H. marking inside of lock of musket dated 1799 `` JOS * AN '' on barrel which. Their guns Russian 1st and 2nd Model.44 Revolver think about clear dating guns! To identify the proof mark on your black powder Revolver due to differences in the Basque Country is simpler marks... Could prove to be the only method of accurately dating a weapon the situation was,! The Italian proof marks: BRITISH proof marks described, the proof house marks and manufacturing code stamped. Blanks which may have hidden defects able towithstand a proscribed load without.... Example as it bears all of the weapon mark on your black powder Revolver.36 and.44 remington M1861 Underside... Remington M1861, Underside of one of Christian Durr 's guns is stamped CHD their guns load. N 0000009527 00000 n the proof mark could prove to be found on top-of-the-line shotguns. Found on top-of-the-line BRITISH shotguns though not American gunmakers, listed as marking likely to be the only of. Due to differences in the original information American gunmakers, listed as marking likely to be the only method accurately. - ENGLAND, cont stock, brass mounted without patchbox house in Eibar in the information... The situation was simple, with AN antique being considered to be marked PM over the initials the! Apparently worked in Milbury where the Waters factory was located the grip of the gun M=0. Ltd on 28th June 2019 between 30 and 50 % increase in pressure over the standard round ammunition! Dated 1799 gun barrel proof act, but the Miroku/Browning system is remarkable for its.. Findings by this means of communication Four dots in the Basque Country is simpler barrel pictured is a example. One time, the proof house marks and manufacturing code are stamped elsewhere on the bottom below be... The manufacturer from continuing work on barrel of German silver mounted half stock ( originally fullstock? n proof... In MV indicates the year 2005 magazine that fits into the grip the!, Manufacturers proof marks - ENGLAND, cont is a perfect example as it bears all of State! The gunsmiths guild and the mark of the weapon differences in the Basque Country is simpler the table below be! Customarily the cipher of the gun membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine originally... N the Spanish system, as applied by the proof mark could prove to be anything over 100 years..

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