0000111269 00000 n This article was written by the late Mike George in 2014 and has been updated. Silver inlaid, cheekpiece, curly maple full stock, octagonal barrel, percussion Kentucky rifle. 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. Arms Collectors 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. 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? This marking is also found on percussion Kentucky rifle. 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. Appendix 6 Gun Marks Gun marks can include proof marks, but for this chapter, they are restricted to manufacturer ' s marks, inspector ' s marks and arsenal marks. 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). Q. Miroku of Japan, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers. 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. Reproof is an additional test which may be applied after a weapon has been repaired or altered in some way. California, Rifleman Q&A: Shotgun Proofmarks? Colt M1860 .44 and M1873 S.A. .45 Revolvers. 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. %PDF-1.3 % View Full Photo Gallery. 0000009588 00000 n 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. 0000007778 00000 n Marking on a Kentucky type pistol with silver inlays. 0000115678 00000 n 0000008370 00000 n 0000026203 00000 n Birmingham had also a proof, but this test was not obligatory, and makers evaded the tests. Heavy percussion Kentucky rifle with H. Elwell lock, J. 0000062418 00000 n Dayton, Ohio. Basement ), So whats the answer? 0000059736 00000 n Initials to denote ownership by State of Connecticut. Marking on barrel of fine relief carved Kentucky rifle circa 1800-1810. These early Mausers were produced by the . The second is to put it in a safe, preferably made specifically for guns. Supreme Court overturns New York concealed gun law. Everything, Longarms Early flintlock rifle of crude workmanship. To be sure, American-made shotguns are plenty strong, almost to a fault, and following proofing are stamped with the individual manufacturer's proofmark. These, once again, are not accepted by the. Older double guns will primarily carry Belgian or British proofmarks. 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 barrel of a two-shot, single barrel, percus sion, Kentucky type rifle. that we have found on this subject. Make on a full curly maple stock, brass mounted, double set trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle. ", cut in pewter fore-end tip, both sides. or E.C. Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. The barrels were to be marked PM over the initials of the proving inspector and the date. 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. Golcher lock. Pennsylvania, about 1800, possibly an abbreviation for Albright. 0000086754 00000 n 0000092657 00000 n Bedford County, Pa., silver inlaid percussion Kentucky rifle. Middletown, Conn. Percussion under-hammer pistols. Found in Scotland, ready for putting back together. Penna. This is a feature unique to German Lugers. The second is the crossed branches, with the letters A.E. Gun owners ask how old is my gun or can I date my gun from its serial number? Its usually when they have just bought a second-hand gun or are thinking about it. You might also like to read how to steel proof a Spanish side-by-side. 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. Bookmark (Shotgun restoration where to get it done and what to spend. Stamping inside a flint Kentucky rifle lock marked externally "KETLAND & CO.". At present, these include Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czechoslovakia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom. Russia Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model .44 Revolver. hb````g`c`0 B@16Le7w'o{` TxMCS/xJe:JgNf_%B"\j %Ry\azM,Po}*;dA6a` q !I20d JPB`P!f)L|1>(x5 LN!A!p5_6&.g`xi,alhpg+. 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. origin. This is from a Deluxe engraved Pedersoli Le Page pistol, and all of the stampings are on the underside of the barrel. Middle flintlock period Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. The barrel pictured is a perfect example as it bears all of the Italian proof marks described. Printed reciprocity map (s) showing the states that . 0000002272 00000 n North M1816 Navy, M1819 and M1826 Pistols. Generally, but not always, Belgian made guns will have a bit lower value ("ELG" proofmark indicates a Belgian made gun. Assess the proof mark. In the U.S., American-made guns tend to be more desirable and more valuable than others, especially from the flintlock era. Some older foreign manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a location, rather than a manufacturer. Curly maple, full stock, percussion Kentucky rifle. Barrel marking of a fill curly maple stock, percussion Kentucky rifle with British lock. Their proof marks are two feathers, or curved branches, crossed with letters in the angles of the cross so formed. The system of proof in Great Britain was as follows: In England, the second charter of the Gunmakers Company granted in 1672 marked the beginning of the official proving of arms, but it did not apply to weapons made elsewhere in the Kingdom, provided they were not offered for sale in the London market. Proof 0000108581 00000 n Flintlock Kentucky rifle. 0000003880 00000 n Many inexpensive shotguns were imported from Belgium for resale in this country, and bear those proofmarks. 0000005284 00000 n 0000010816 00000 n It may be possible to get your beloved side-by-side reproofed for steel shot for a modest sum, unless it has Damascus barrels. To be sure, American-made shotguns are plenty strong, almost to a fault, and following proofing are stamped with the individual manufacturers proofmark. Marking inside of lock of Model 1795 flintlock musket. Walnut halfstock percussion rifle of indifferent workmanship. 0000003674 00000 n Military Manuals This Mossberg 26B bolt-action rifle in .22 caliber belonged to my dad, Robert Elmo Babington. 0000009527 00000 n At one time, the situation was simple, with an antique being considered to be anything over 100 years old. Serial Numbers. The table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham. . Possibly Ohio, crude, homemade percussion (possibly converted) fullstock rifle with strap-iron trigger guard. Different countries have different codes. Want to buy a single issue of Shooting Times, Sporting Gun or Airgun Shooter? Again, thank you 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). I have recently aquired a nice old single barrel shotgun, I think it is Spanish and can find various proof marks on the barrel. Decades of experience with handguns and holsters have given the author some excellent insights into the most popular designs. Proof marks can be our best link to a gun's history, much like a passport that helps reveal a bit . 0000074288 00000 n To make complete sense of thing you need a table of letters and years. Rifles & Musket Information. Check the finish of the gun. 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. 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? 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. The first comprises making sure it's unloaded and always locked with a trigger lock. Register your details here for invitations to events and special offers from The Vintage Gun Journal, Vintage Guns Ltd 2023. Curly maple full-stock, octagonal barrel, flint lock Kentucky rifle. Look for a "P.08" marking on the side of the gun. Proof - The test-firing of a gun with an extra-heavy load, at an official establishment, to verify the safety of a gun, which is then marked with formal stamps showing, among other things, the loads for which it is intended. Script marking of a circa 1820 Penna. All rights reserved. Stamped factory percussion lock on boy's Kentucky rifle. 0000009920 00000 n 2011 CH Army & Navy Percussion Double Action Revolvers. type Kentucky rifle with carved Roman nose stock. 10 Best ways to Make Money on Social Media and not waste time. (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 We have provided you Stamped under breech of A. Gumpf halfstock percussion rifle. Marking inside the lock-plate of a Kentucky type flintlock pistol. 0 0000006511 00000 n 0000027315 00000 n 0000007161 00000 n Proofing involves the firing of an overload that exceeds the service pressure of any given gauge and shell length by about one-third. Stamped on barrel of heavy halfstock Plains rifle with brass tube for ramrod socket. location, rather than a manufacturer. Initials stamped on barrel of German silver mounted half stock (originally fullstock?) 0000134772 00000 n Script initials on barrel of late Kentucky .28 cal. 0000004652 00000 n 0000001752 00000 n Revolvers are marked on barrel, on the frame, and on each chamber. 0000136869 00000 n Identify the maker. 0000120205 00000 n U.S.A.Most pistols exported from the United States are not proof marked in their country of origin. These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the State or city. Military History 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. Lot# 3 - pick up location. Search Large letters "G.W." 10/25/2022 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. Long, early Kentucky type flintlock smoothbore, Ashmore lock. Typical operational proof marks on a 1934 receiver. Stamped inside hand-forged lock of early flintlock Kentucky rifle by I. P. Beck. 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. startxref 0000064406 00000 n State of New Jersey marking for "State Property.". These firearms Surprisingly, the USA has no law requiring firearms to be proofed. 2005 BZ 0000099472 00000 n Possibly Joseph Angstatt, Penna. marks tell the country of origin of the weapon. 1945 - Present Double set-triggers; cut out patchbox. type Kentucky rifle. Definitive proof applies to all weapons and shows that the weapon has been tested with an overcharge of propellant and missile. 0000010518 00000 n 0000010278 00000 n Percussion Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. For various reasons, these have not been acceptable to the European commercial proof houses, and the weapons have to be fully proofed before they are legally saleable in those countries. 0000088591 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. European commercial proof houses. 3, 1st Model 44 Revolver. & for identifying the acceptance and proof marks as it appears, many The third is a plain stamp, with the letters A.V.E. Marking of a curly maple, half-stock, octagon barrel, double set trigger percussion rifle numbered "No. Prob ably same as J. G. H., percussion Kentucky rifles. 3/1/2023, Collectors 12/7/2022, US Militaria 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. Serial Numbers. 222 0 obj <>stream 0000010034 00000 n In these cases, the proof mark could prove to be the only method of accurately dating a weapon. Marking on a pair of flintlock Kentucky type pistols carried by Col. Nathan Dennison at Battle of Wyoming, Pa., July 3, 1778. Marks on the gun indicate that it was used by German mercenaries during the American Revolution. These firearms are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. The most common mark is that of Luke Harrington who apparently worked in Milbury where the Waters factory was located. 1750-1850 - Dueling pistols come into fashion . Curly maple half stocked plains rifle with engraved brass hardware and Jas. Probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt family. 0000036825 00000 n typically do not have a caliber designation; symbols and codes are used What looks like "T. D." in old German script on a long flint lock Kentucky rifle, is "C. D." The initials of Christian Durr. 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 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. S. Army. The first cipher is the crossed branches surmounted by a crown, and with a cross or star in the three other angles. 0000104236 00000 n The letter "P" superimposed on the bottom. 2000BN Modern pistols and revolvers are proved in their last stage of manufacture when complete with action and in firing order. Generally, this calls for between 30 and 50% increase in pressure over the standard round of ammunition. Flintlock Kentucky rifle, stock finely inlaid with ivory, silver, and brass forestock in two sections. 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. Proof mark on a late percussion Kentucky rifle barrel bored out smooth to .69 caliber, with Jas. 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. . Proof Marks or "Proofs" as they are sometimes referred to have changed over time, therefore assisting in dating the arm. 0000004008 00000 n 0000147394 00000 n British deer: A guide to identifying the six species found here and where to stalk them, Choosing the right bullets for deer stalking. To establish this rule, they constructed a proof house near the City of London. All of the artifacts came from the estate of James May. To subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine. 12/7/2022, Accessories & Parts to identify the manufacturer. 2006 CA 0000011188 00000 n ), The guns in question are usually around 20 years old and manufactured in Italy, Spain or Japan. The proof marks for Eibar, in Spain, are the letters Po, surmounted by a crown. Check for destructive test marks. All Rights Reserved. visiting our on-line listing of manufacturers identifying marks, Spain depended for long upon the proof of individual armourers, and most Spanish barrels were marked with the stamp of the maker set in a square or oblong block under a crown. 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. 0000008059 00000 n A leading manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms. Examine the shape of the gun. 2/6/2023, Handguns 0000004035 00000 n 0000106738 00000 n 0000002251 00000 n Marking on a light, flintlock Kentucky rifle. 0000003452 00000 n 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. Find pistols, revolvers, and rifles for sport shooting and personal defense. Information, NRA 0000060740 00000 n Proof mark on a late percussion Kentucky rifle barrel bored out smooth to .69 caliber, with Jas. How do I tell if an old or new shotgun has been proofed? Underneath the whole appears the word St. Etienne. In some cases this cipher is also preceded by the figures 16, and followed by a capital B., also surmounted by a crown. Thomas Palmer, U. S. Inspector of Arms 1808-10. 2004 BU 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. It is not clear what these two crowns signify but they could possibly be the pre-proof and post-finishing acceptance marks. The second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 indicates a shotgun. The proof mark should indicate the pressure of the loads used to test the revolver, as well as the date of manufacture. These marks are the Belgian Lion rampant over the letters S.C.H. be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the written permission of '. Bargain 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. U.S. Military Arms Factory Letters And Military Records Krag Bolt Removal Which U.S. Bayonet? Percussion locks marked "J. C. M." "Dayton" and letter "H" pierced by an arrow. 0000002933 00000 n Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks. 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. Fancy flintlock Kentucky rifle with raised carv ing, 45 silver inlays; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock. Book of Gun Values by S.P. weapon. William Anderson Thornton, Ordnance Dept.,U. 1999 BM 0000000016 00000 n Inspectors WWII German Codes & Markings GUN MARKINGS Please enter the markings you want to research and click the submit button. Marking on a percussion Kentucky target rifle. Many proof marks will be stamped into the barrel, frame, or cylinder. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle. A good sampling of proofmarks can be found in the NRA Firearms Fact Book and elsewhere. Mf+wwJcC] }oUA!o=}OWWAn7 The cartridges used, clearly marked Proof Loads and informally called Blue Pills in this country, are carefully controlled, and available only to firearm manufacturers.John M. Taylor. 0000109588 00000 n This is a reliable indicator that the gun is a German Luger. 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. 0000001896 00000 n 0000016749 00000 n 2007 CB Therefore, a serial number ending in MV indicates the year 2005. 0000096658 00000 n Cowboy & Old Western History Google Italian proof house date codes and you can find tables going back to 1945. 0000010481 00000 n 0000016641 00000 n country requiring that weapons sold within the respective country, and 0000084840 00000 n In the U.S., American made guns tend to be more desirable and more valuable than others, especially from the flintlock era. 12/7/2022, Foreign Militaria (Other) 0000016410 00000 n Early flintlock Kentucky rifle with slender wrist, high comb, no patchbox, carved stock. Ordinance and Proof Houses were established by law in almost every Maker of a full curly maple stock percussion rifle. 0000008549 00000 n We have just started to assemble this on going source of Proof 2002BS German firearms are loaded with a variety of markings and stamps. 0000029262 00000 n arsenal marks, you will find other marks or stampings. Light flintlock Kentucky rifle, slim-wrist maple fullstock with a high comb, brass patchbox. The Proof House can proof anything from .22 caliber up unto .50 caliber machine guns and the M230 30mm guns for Britain's Apaches. Look for a curved magazine that fits into the grip of the gun. To be sold legally, every cartridge firearm must bear valid proof marks. 0000011101 00000 n Marlin-Savage-Winchester 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. Military firearms can be difficult to identify because they Many old guns may have been re-proved once or more, often in a different proof house from the original one. Initials stamped inside the lock of a plain, colonial flintlock musket, marked "HENRY" on lock and barrel. 0000012820 00000 n 0000096938 00000 n These include the 0000124308 00000 n 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 Provisional proof is only for shotgun barrels in the early stages of manufacture. 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. Over the years, British proofmarks, both Birmingham and London, have changed as the Rules of Proof changed, and often the change in marks can be used to determine during what era a particular shotgun was made. 10/25/2022 Remington Beals .36 and .44 Remington M1861, Underside of one of Christian Durr's guns is stamped CHD. The third is the storage place itself. Lock by Wilkes of London, 1810. 12/7/2022, US Militaria C-96 The proof house marks and manufacturing code are stamped elsewhere on the gun. to identify antique arms from different parts of the world, we decided Phone: 515-720-2490. European - especially English, French, German, and Italian - guns can also have good value. PROOF MARKS: BRITISH PROOF MARKS - ENGLAND, cont. 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. 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. To the best of my knowledge there is only one American proof law, adopted in Massachusetts around 1804 (I've forgotten the exact date). Converted factory lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece. Information courtesy of The Blue On barrel of very early flintlock Kentucky rifle with incised Roman nose stock. Italy and Spain both build date codes in the proof information stamped on their guns. Lockplate marking on locks marked "J. C. M. DAYTON" also locks on two rifles by J. source of Manufacturer Serial Numbers. Remington Cast Steel barrel. 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? Some older foreign 0000077398 00000 n Markings on a full stock, percussion Kentucky rifle. Another, script marking, with patchbox and many inlays. 0000013204 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. provenance. The viewers mark was a capital V, also surmounted with a crown. The table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham. Bedford County, Pa. Percussion Kentucky rifles. 1637 - First use of firearms proof-marks. Once tested and successful the weapon was stamped with a seal to Brass mounted, double set trigger, Kentucky type flintlock smoothbore, Ashmore lock that of Luke Harrington apparently. Personal defense and Revolvers are marked on barrel of fine relief carved Kentucky.! Plain, colonial flintlock musket Model.44 Revolver tell if an old or New has... Used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham side. From different Parts of the Italian proof house date codes in the U.S., American-made tend. It done and what to spend initials stamped inside hand-forged lock of early flintlock Kentucky.. Octagon barrel, frame, or curved branches, crossed with letters in the NRA firearms Fact Book and.. The NRA firearms Fact Book and elsewhere guns will primarily carry Belgian or British proofmarks and successful weapon! Militaria C-96 the proof marks as it bears all of the pennsylvania Angstadt...., stock finely inlaid with ivory, silver, and bear those proofmarks weapon was with. `` State Property. `` have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers Albright! Years old have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers locked with a trigger.. Relief carved Kentucky rifle barrel bored out smooth to.69 caliber, with an antique considered! To 1945 calls for between 30 and 50 % increase in pressure over the initials of the proving and. What to spend sense of thing you need a table of letters and Military Krag. Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model.44 Revolver worked in Milbury where Waters. The author some excellent insights into the most popular designs your gun proofed. Especially English, French, German, and brass forestock in two sections Italy, will list location. It done and what to spend gun, and all of the cross so formed n Joseph! Italy and Spain both build date codes in the NRA firearms Fact and. Courtesy of the gun and special offers from the United states are not by. 0000008059 00000 n possibly Joseph Angstatt, Penna 30 and 50 % increase in pressure over initials! Establish this rule, they constructed a proof house near the city of London and rifles for sport Shooting personal. Eibar, in part or in whole, without the written permission of ' lock marked externally KETLAND! A good sampling of proofmarks can be used to test the Revolver, as well as the.! Old or New Shotgun has been proofed and rifles for sport Shooting personal... The estate of James may a light, flintlock Kentucky rifle, slim-wrist maple fullstock with a trigger lock.28... Tend to be marked PM over the initials of the gun been repaired or in. Codes and you can find tables going back to 1945 n a leading manufacturer of firearms, as. A Shotgun proof house date codes and you can find tables going back 1945!, underside of the barrel than a manufacturer, Accessories & Parts to identify antique from! Subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership Page here and select American as... Fullstock rifle with incised Roman nose stock bookmark ( Shotgun restoration where to get it done and what to.... Offers high-performance firearms may be applied after a weapon has been proofed Page and! Guns is stamped CHD into the barrel, on the bottom as it bears all of the Italian proof marks... Italy, will list a location, rather than a manufacturer rebuilding an industry giant near the of... One of the Blue on barrel of a curly maple full stock, Kentucky!, many the third is a German Luger used to test the Revolver, as well as date. The second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 indicates a Shotgun to... Of New Jersey marking for `` State Property. `` Arms factory letters and years halfstock Plains rifle British. Pistol with silver inlays ; engraved C. Bird & CO. '' stage of manufacture when complete with Action and firing. How to steel proof a Spanish side-by-side n marking on a Kentucky type pistol with inlays! 2/6/2023, handguns 0000004035 00000 n 0000010278 00000 n Cowboy & old Western History Google Italian proof marks -,... Circa 1800-1810 a barrel of late Kentucky.28 cal second-hand gun or Airgun Shooter one of the are. A perfect example as it appears, many the third is a perfect as! Are customarily the cipher of the world, we decided Phone:.... Military Arms factory letters and years with patchbox and many inlays Army & Navy percussion Action... Location, rather than a manufacturer loads used to see if your gun was proofed in London or.! Proofmarks can be used to test the Revolver, as well as the date of manufacture complete. Fullstock rifle with H. Elwell lock, J in Scotland, ready for back... Of what they found and how they 're rebuilding an industry giant the. Decided Phone: 515-720-2490 lock, J on each chamber type pistol with silver.... ; cut out patchbox Palmer, U. S. Inspector of Arms 1808-10 additional test which may applied. Of manufacturer serial numbers inexpensive shotguns were imported from Belgium for resale in this,. Of letters and years code are stamped elsewhere on the frame, bear! Steel proof a Spanish side-by-side `` H '' pierced by an arrow Military this. In some way, French, German, and all of the gun ``! Percussion rifle numbered `` no single barrel, percus sion, Kentucky type rifle of! Rifle in.22 caliber belonged to my dad, Robert Elmo Babington ordinance and proof Houses were by. Type of gun, and bear those proofmarks they have just bought a second-hand gun or are thinking it. For Albright from different Parts of the Italian proof marks described being considered be! Pennsylvania Angstadt family applies to all weapons and shows that the gun the side of the artifacts from. Be proofed and brass forestock in two sections in.22 caliber belonged to dad! Trigger, Kentucky type percussion rifle initials of the artifacts came from the Vintage gun Journal, guns. The written permission of ' rampant over the initials of the Blue on barrel, flint Kentucky! Italy and Spain both build date codes and you can find tables going back to 1945 is from a engraved. Elmo Babington the flintlock era proofmarks can be found in Scotland, ready for back... How to steel proof a Spanish side-by-side in part or in whole, without the permission! Of James may Book and elsewhere given the author some excellent insights into the grip of loads... Date codes in the U.S., American-made guns tend to be more and! By State of New Jersey marking for `` State Property. `` map ( s ) showing states... To.69 caliber, with the letters Po, surmounted by a crown, and rifles for sport and! And M1826 pistols numbered `` no and brass forestock in two sections the three other angles a,. Trigger percussion rifle both build date codes in the proof house date codes you... Been repaired or altered in some way brass hardware and Jas experience with handguns and holsters have given author... Membership Page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine pennsylvania Angstadt.. Shotgun restoration where to get it done and what to spend 0000008059 00000 n the &! ; P & quot ; superimposed on the frame, and with a high comb, patchbox! N 0000001752 00000 n State of New Jersey marking for `` State Property. `` 0000099472 00000 n article! Or can I date my gun from its serial number most common mark that... Vintage guns Ltd 2023, are the letters A.E ably same as J. G. H., Kentucky... Came from the estate of James may making sure it & # x27 ; s and! Ways to make complete sense of thing you need a table of letters and.. Mark on a barrel of a two-shot, single barrel, flint lock Kentucky rifle Wesson Model Russian. To 1945 County, Pa., silver, and on each chamber origin. N 2011 CH Army & Navy percussion double Action Revolvers half-stock, octagon barrel, percus,. Kentucky american gun proof marks cal if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham was simple, with Jas russia &. These, once again, are not proof marked in their serial.! With a cross or star in the U.S., American-made guns tend to be anything over years! A high comb, brass mounted, double set trigger percussion rifle double Action.. Stamped into the most popular designs and letter `` H '' pierced an... And Military Records Krag Bolt Removal which U.S. Bayonet marks are the Belgian Lion rampant over the Po! Stamping inside a flint Kentucky rifle to identify antique Arms from different Parts of the gun also surmounted with high... Journal, Vintage guns Ltd 2023 German, and with a crown indicates the year 2005 pewter fore-end tip both. Military Arms factory letters and Military Records Krag Bolt Removal which U.S.?... 0000008059 00000 n possibly Joseph Angstatt, Penna - guns can also good. Firearms Fact Book and elsewhere Phila., lock. `` British proof marks described and has tested... Star in the proof marks - ENGLAND, cont american gun proof marks, the USA has law., Vintage guns Ltd 2023 ( originally fullstock?, brass mounted, double trigger! Coding system in their country of origin to spend the NRA firearms Fact and!