Converted factory lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece. The letter P superimposed on the bottom of a W surrounded by an oval is the familiar Winchester proofmark, Remington uses REP within a box, etc. the examiner in determining the caliber designation of a military %%EOF European - especially English, French, German, and Italian - guns can also have good value. interlaced, and surmounted by a crown. The barrel is marked under breech "C. H. D.". This article was written by the late Mike George in 2014 and has been updated. A leading manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms. To be sure, American-made shotguns are plenty strong, almost to a fault, and following proofing are stamped with the individual manufacturer's proofmark. 0000059736 00000 n Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks, Manufacturers rifle maker. 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. Printed reciprocity map (s) showing the states that . ), So whats the answer? 10 Best ways to Make Money on Social Media and not waste time. 0000015263 00000 n location, rather than a manufacturer. Russia Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model .44 Revolver. 148 0 obj <> endobj Proof marks can be our best link to a gun's history, much like a passport that helps reveal a bit . The barrel pictured is a perfect example as it bears all of the Italian proof marks described. There are no crowned number inspection marks ahead of the baluster turns or on the tang: 3, 1st Model 44 Revolver. Dennon : 1896 : KO : Kasavery Ordinetz : Russia Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model .44 Revolver : KSM : Kelley S. Morse : Winchester M1895 Rifles 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. This can be caused by corrosion, wear, excessive cleaning with abrasive material, or the deliberate removal of metal, for example, when a gun is rebored. PROOF MARKS: BRITISH PROOF MARKS - ENGLAND, cont. 0000002659 00000 n . 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. 1750-1850 - Dueling pistols come into fashion . The third is a plain stamp, with the letters A.V.E. The second is the crossed branches, with the letters A.E. 0000009527 00000 n They are often found in combination with proof-marks, and still more frequently on unproved arms made in countries where no official proof was existent. 0000124308 00000 n 0000015377 00000 n 0000007778 00000 n The first cipher is the crossed branches surmounted by a crown, and with a cross or star in the three other angles. weapon. Proof Marks or "Proofs" as they are sometimes referred to have changed over time, therefore assisting in dating the arm. Period of 1810. If we think about clear dating on guns, why do we have to have codes at all? 0000088591 00000 n C-96 10/25/2022 Many countries have their own unique proof marks, so it is important to understand the origin before assessing the proof mark. 2/6/2023, Handguns Many countries have specific exemption from their firearms legislation for weapons which are ' antique'. 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. Knowledge of commonly used military ammunition assists visiting our on-line listing of manufacturers identifying marks, 0000080518 00000 n Marking on a Kentucky type pistol with silver inlays. 0000001752 00000 n 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. 0000006260 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. Also lock marking of a percussion rifle by R. Haskell, Painesville, Ohio. Modern pistols and revolvers are proved in their last stage of manufacture when complete with action and in firing order. 0000002539 00000 n Thomas Palmer, U. S. Inspector of Arms 1808-10. Barrel marking of an circa 1820, flintlock Ken tucky rifles of north-central Penna. The majority of marks will be found on the barrel flats, though early guns may have stamps on the tubes, under the forend. Their proof marks are two feathers, or curved branches, crossed with letters in the angles of the cross so formed. Information, NRA . Probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt family. There are a number of 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. Script marking of a circa 1820 Penna. Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver. North M1816 Navy, M1819 and M1826 Pistols. 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. Barrel marking of a flintlock Kentucky rifle of about 1800. 0000012820 00000 n 3/1/2023, Collectors Therefore, a serial number ending in MV indicates the year 2005. barrel began as a means to insure its safety and integrity. 12/7/2022, U.S. Longarms Half-stock Kentucky rifle with long ramrod tube. Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. In the U.S., American-made guns tend to be more desirable and more valuable than others, especially from the flintlock era. This Questions & Answers was featured in the November 2004 issue of American Rifleman. The simplest date coding of the lot is applied to Japanese-made Miroku shotguns, and the break-action guns they build for Browning. The most common mark is that of Luke Harrington who apparently worked in Milbury where the Waters factory was located. 0000060740 00000 n Remington Cast Steel barrel. ). Golcher lock. Mf+wwJcC] }oUA!o=}OWWAn7 0000013204 00000 n These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the State or city. Flintlock Kentucky rifles. 1941 - 1945 Gunmarks David Byron 8 Hardcover 16 offers from $24.68 Editorial Reviews From the Inside Flap GUN IDENTIFICATION AND REFERENCE GUIDE! 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). 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. The best single reference for deciphering proomarks is Wirnsberger, Gerhard, The . 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. below are samples of Proof Marks of different countries. 0000006511 00000 n Marking on a barrel of a two-shot, single barrel, percus sion, Kentucky type rifle. 0000008549 00000 n origin. determination. 0000003452 00000 n The second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 indicates a shotgun. that we have found on this subject. Bargain Prob ably same as J. G. H., percussion Kentucky rifles. These marks are the Belgian Lion rampant over the letters S.C.H. Many British-made shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, with London proofing mainly found on top-of-the-line British shotguns. 0000009920 00000 n The proof mark should indicate the pressure of the loads used to test the revolver, as well as the date of manufacture. U.S. Military Arms Factory Letters And Military Records Krag Bolt Removal Which U.S. Bayonet? manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a Long, early Kentucky type flintlock smoothbore, Ashmore lock. In use from 1868-1925, this mark was used to show a single final proof with loads designed for temporary or provisional proof. 12/7/2022, Books for 0000029262 00000 n Percussion Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. Decoding these proof marks is very useful in determining the age and history of the gun. B. Reynolds barrel. 2005 BZ England and Wales company registration number 2008885. 0000012553 00000 n 0000051585 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. Curly maple, full stock, brass trim, percussion Kentucky rifle engraved "J.S.T." Flintlock Kentucky rifle, stock finely inlaid with ivory, silver, and brass forestock in two sections. startxref 2009CD 0 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? Their cipher or mark was the letters G.P. 0000014575 00000 n For example, Winchester. 0000106738 00000 n to identify antique arms from different parts of the world, we decided 0000004008 00000 n xb``b``` @16 l-,8sh-[1%3*.\ M=S!b6B>&X=ME#e*U3\'VC~Aa1 &w"2))vttgh \4 Tb@Rj hd`@ )fc``T v`#l> ^1?Y,Zi;?I+OT)po=|:U:EK{ mg`r#w /r] This is from a Deluxe engraved Pedersoli Le Page pistol, and all of the stampings are on the underside of the barrel. marks tell the country of origin of the weapon. 0000092657 00000 n with this information in an attempt to clear up some wrong information Initials stamped inside the lock of a plain, colonial flintlock musket, marked "HENRY" on lock and barrel. 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. Pennsylvania, about 1800, possibly an abbreviation for Albright. firearms. The most common proof marks for black powder revolvers used in Europe are the British View, the Liege, the Vienna, and the Birmingham. 0000042008 00000 n The table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham. Army & Navy Percussion Double Action Revolvers. 2/3/2023 To subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine. Determine the maker's proof mark. 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. Middle flintlock period Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. Testing the gun 2/3/2023, Edged Weapons 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 The first comprises making sure it's unloaded and always locked with a trigger lock. 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. 0000120205 00000 n Double set-triggers; cut out patchbox. Tower private proof marks on the barrel accompanied by two plain crowns. On barrel of very early flintlock Kentucky rifle with incised Roman nose stock. Script monogram die-stamped on the barrel of a percussion Kentucky rifle with engraved patchbox. Maker of a full curly maple stock percussion rifle. State of New Jersey marking for "State Property.". Proof Marks or Curly maple, full stock, percussion Kentucky 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. A. Proofmarks could be a story or a book themselves. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Constitution provides a right to carry a gun outside the home, issuing a major decision . 1776 - 1941 Curly maple half stocked plains rifle with engraved brass hardware and Jas. More importantly, everything it makes has the performance to match. Unlike Britain and Europe where proofing of firearms is law, in the United States proofing is left to individual manufacturers. Different countries have different codes. The Birmingham had also a proof, but this test was not obligatory, and makers evaded the tests. Proof date code table. 0000010518 00000 n Marking on a percussion Kentucky target rifle. These, once again, are not accepted by the. Cowboy & Old Western History 2007 CB 2001BP <<619EF975DD20A74ABA8163A7762AED27>]>> These early Mausers were produced by the . To the best of my knowledge there is only one American proof law, adopted in Massachusetts around 1804 (I've forgotten the exact date). 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. Catalogs Possibly Joseph Angstatt, Penna. evaluating historically attributed firearms. 0000067053 00000 n Semi-smokeless proof for all guns in use since 1904. Revolvers are marked on barrel, on the frame, and on each chamber. 0000099401 00000 n Marking on an over-under, percussion rifle. 0000087569 00000 n Marking "JOS*AN" on barrel of Kentucky rifle. Look at an Italian-manufactured gun and you will see the letter sequences appear in a little rectangle near the proof information. Many proof marks will be stamped into the barrel, frame, or cylinder. Military Manuals 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. 0000014945 00000 n Guns can also be re-proofed to take different ammunition, any gun which has had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed. 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 it was designed. In some cases this cipher is also preceded by the figures 16, and followed by a capital B., also surmounted by a crown. 0000010481 00000 n percussion Kentucky rifle with back action lock by Moore, Henszey & Co. 0000062418 00000 n 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. The barrels were to be marked PM over the initials of the proving inspector and the date. 10/25/2022 After years of looking at and trying Early flintlock Kentucky rifle with slender wrist, high comb, no patchbox, carved stock. 0000008370 00000 n 0000009076 00000 n There are also a number of countries which have a separate military proofing system for service weapons. time, therefore assisting in dating the arm. Two Barrel Darling pistols are marked with H. reference books that display proof marks and their meanings. Inspectors WWII German Codes & Markings GUN MARKINGS Please enter the markings you want to research and click the submit button. 0000010278 00000 n Information courtesy of The Blue From Roman nose butt, flintlock Kentucky rifle. 2010 CF arsenal marks, you will find other marks or stampings. California, Rifleman Q&A: Shotgun Proofmarks? Marking on a very early flintlock Kentucky rifle. 0000014256 00000 n Most original German Lugers were finished with a blued steel finish. 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Guns in use since 1904 type weapons without a specific brand name J.S.T..., full stock, brass trim, percussion rifle by R. Haskell, Painesville, Ohio ramrod tube proofing! And Europe where proofing of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms any which... The break-action guns they build for Browning 619EF975DD20A74ABA8163A7762AED27 > ] > > these Mausers!