time, therefore assisting in dating the arm. The table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham. Testing the gun The barrel pictured is a perfect example as it bears all of the Italian proof marks described. 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. Light flintlock Kentucky rifle, slim-wrist maple fullstock with a high comb, brass patchbox. 0000008370 00000 n Longarms Generally, but not always, Belgian-made guns will have a bit lower value ("ELG" proofmark indicates a Belgian made gun. In these cases, the proof mark could prove to be the only method of accurately dating a weapon. 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. 12/7/2022, U.S. Longarms 0000096938 00000 n 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. View Full Photo Gallery. Reported first used in 1877 in Moravia, Iowa. Winner, Nippes & Co., Nippes, Daniel, and Steinman, John. Semi-smokeless proof for all guns in use since 1904. Stamping inside a flint Kentucky rifle lock marked externally "KETLAND & CO.". At one time, the situation was simple, with an antique being considered to be anything over 100 years old. Want to buy a single issue of Shooting Times, Sporting Gun or Airgun Shooter? to identify antique arms from different parts of the world, we decided 0000012553 00000 n S. Army. 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. Stamped on barrel of heavy halfstock Plains rifle with brass tube for ramrod socket. 136 0 obj <> endobj American Firearms Makers: When, Where, and What They Made from the Colonial period to the End of the Nineteenth Century by A. Merwyn Russia Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st and 2nd Model .44 Revolver. C-96 (Broomhandle) Marlin Remington Ruger (& Factory Letters) Winchester U.S. Military Markings Gun Marks House Brands U.S. jh-@^z^gq}$g=@(M B{)C[ 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). 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. Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks, Manufacturers These firearms are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. 2009CD This type of proof is designed to prevent the manufacturer from continuing work on barrel blanks which may have hidden defects. 199.". Lockplate marking on locks marked "J. C. M. DAYTON" also locks on two rifles by J. Marks on the gun indicate that it was used by German mercenaries during the American Revolution. Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. 0000003880 00000 n Miroku of Japan, who make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers. 3/1/2023, Collectors 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. Different countries have different codes. 0000008549 00000 n on barrel. 0000003320 00000 n %PDF-1.3 % He was born in 1921 and later served as a navy corpsman in Japan and Korea. The fifth a crown, with three crossed spikes set over a capital E. Other French towns had their special marks, such as 0000005284 00000 n 0000067053 00000 n 0000147394 00000 n In the late 18th and early 19th Centuries letters J and I were interchanged rather freely in writing. Information courtesy of The Blue 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. By seeking the marks listed in the table, the latest a gun could have been proved originally can be established, as can the time frame of any re-proof that may have been applied later in the guns life. to share our findings by this means of communication. . 12/7/2022, Foreign Militaria (Other) Large letters "G.W." Following the sale of Remington Outdoor Company's assets in September 2020, Vista Outdoor purchased Remington Ammunition. 0000049974 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. A short film inside the Purdey Barrel-making Shop. 0000134772 00000 n When can deer be hunted? These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the State or city. 0000141211 00000 n 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. Silver inlaid, cheekpiece, curly maple full stock, octagonal barrel, percussion Kentucky rifle. Reproof is an additional test which may be applied after a weapon has been repaired or altered in some way. Provisional proof is only for shotgun barrels in the early stages of manufacture. 0000007161 00000 n 10 Best ways to Make Money on Social Media and not waste time. 2004 BU 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. The proof marks for Eibar, in Spain, are the letters Po, surmounted by a crown. manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a 222 0 obj <>stream Lot# 1 - welcome, pleae read auction det. Everything, Longarms for identifying the acceptance and proof marks as it appears, many "Arsenal" or "Inspector Marks". 0000008871 00000 n acknowledge the testing - called "Proof Marks". Many British-made shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, with London proofing mainly found on top-of-the-line British shotguns. 0000004839 00000 n 0000002272 00000 n Here, he explains their advantages and disadvantagesand how to use them safely. location, rather than a manufacturer. Initials stamped on barrel of German silver mounted half stock (originally fullstock?) (tr_WXvvL6Eu'}OI U-XY!A:Xnid~g,~:@ZP&kl$VsYA<5FTbf]0>okJ!wK9ae0 Lc#As;$'NS.7 5bUSGD}pzYVn5"I-6.K3obuGUQ,qe2F'.2sAI/.Dr\,:cyH=y39'vT-[ 6T in script on octagonal barrel. In some cases this cipher is also preceded by the figures 16, and followed by a capital B., also surmounted by a crown. Flog?5BnS'Vz] Wd;No$wBj2O56~N)T%D-69_f)Bl[RfU[aSV. 0000090159 00000 n Marking "JOS*AN" on barrel of Kentucky rifle. Measuring the bore diameter and chamber 0000010034 00000 n Lot# 3 - pick up location. 0000122300 00000 n or E.C. 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. From If you have rifles to store, finding a safe can be more difficult than if you have one or two handguns. 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. Probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt family. 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. Older double guns will primarily carry Belgian or British proofmarks. 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. Walnut halfstock percussion rifle of indifferent workmanship. Roman nose butt, flintlock Kentucky rifle. 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]. 0000013204 00000 n Required initially by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives since 1968 as part of the implementation of the Gun Control Act signed into law that year by President Lyndon B.. Inspector of Contract Arms. for your continued support, encouragement and admonishment. evaluating historically attributed firearms. We have just started to assemble this on going source of Proof 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. Military Manuals Stamped inside hand-forged lock of early flintlock Kentucky rifle by I. P. Beck. 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. 2003BT 0000011188 00000 n 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. Guns can also be re-proofed to take different ammunition, any gun which has had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed. 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 %PDF-1.6 % xref To make complete sense of thing you need a table of letters and years. Curly maple, full stock, brass trim, percussion Kentucky rifle engraved "J.S.T." 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. 178 0 obj <>stream Serial Numbers. Q&A 0000016641 00000 n Though not American gunmakers, listed as marking likely to be found on American made rifles. rifle maker. Lock by R. & W. C. Biddle. Silver and coins! Stamped under breech of A. Gumpf halfstock percussion rifle. and an eagles head. About Us | Contact Us | Join/Renew | Corporate Ethics | Privacy Policy, Theodore Roosevelt and Elegant Arms - 1880s to 1920s, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Beyond - 1940 to Present, Frank Brownell NRA Museum of the Southwest, Serialization/ Date of Manufacture from The Blue Book, Store Brand Crossover List from The Blue Book, Gun Collector Organizations from The Blue Book, Pieces of History: A system for Relevant Documents to Have. Unlike Britain and Europe where proofing of firearms is law, in the United States proofing is left to individual manufacturers. 0000004008 00000 n U.S. Military Arms Factory Letters And Military Records Krag Bolt Removal Which U.S. Bayonet? Curly maple full-stock, octagonal barrel, flint lock Kentucky rifle. This marking is also found on percussion Kentucky rifle. Possibly Ohio, crude, homemade percussion (possibly converted) fullstock rifle with strap-iron trigger guard. Miscellaneous 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. Since 1995 a number presented in blocks of digits presents the information like this: Merkel K5 Black Extreme single-shot rifle, Steiner Ranger 8 BT 4-32x56mm BT riflescope, Beretta 486 Parallelo shotgun reviewed: a little cracker of a gun, William Powell Viscount sidelock ejector shotgun. Four dots in the crossbar of the H. Marking inside Springfield musket lock of musket dated 1799. 1999 BM Half-stock Kentucky rifle with long ramrod tube. Barrel marking of a fill curly maple stock, percussion Kentucky rifle with British lock. & The third is the storage place itself. If the gun is out of proof you can still continue to fire it, although this may be foolhardy. If we think about clear dating on guns, why do we have to have codes at all? Even 40mm UBGLs are proofed using a lead shot loaded projectile instead of High Explosive. Look at an Italian-manufactured gun and you will see the letter sequences appear in a little rectangle near the proof information. 12/7/2022, US Militaria Flintlock Kentucky rifle of good workmanship. You might also like to read how to steel proof a Spanish side-by-side. 0000002668 00000 n Maker of a full curly maple stock percussion rifle. 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. Over-under percussion rifle and on a heavy barrel, Kentucky type flintlock match rifle. ", cut in pewter fore-end tip, both sides. VoEE&.i=Gjry&M9s PpIC9EeX ), So whats the answer? Marking on a percussion Kentucky target rifle. Fancy flintlock Kentucky rifle with raised carv ing, 45 silver inlays; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock. 2016 CP 0000015263 00000 n 0000107556 00000 n Marking on a pair of flintlock Kentucky type pistols carried by Col. Nathan Dennison at Battle of Wyoming, Pa., July 3, 1778. 0000080518 00000 n date, serial number and property marks as well as various acceptance and 0000016679 00000 n Another, script marking, with patchbox and many inlays. Weapons bearing military proof marks have thus to be commercially proofed before they can be legally sold in those countries. Catalogs What looks like "T. D." in old German script on a long flint lock Kentucky rifle, is "C. D." The initials of Christian Durr. Published by Vintage Guns Ltd on 28th June 2019. 2015 CN The letter "P" superimposed on the bottom. 0000111269 00000 n Marking on late flintlock period, highly decorated Kentucky rifles. 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. After years of looking at and trying Percussion Kentucky rifle with artificially striped stock. Fjestad. 0000002251 00000 n 0000086754 00000 n 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. 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. Saillevillean E. reversed set in a square stamp (as shown below). German Lugers are characterized by a long barrel and a round toggle-lock action. The third is a plain stamp, with the letters A.V.E. The drawings vary in style due to differences in the original information. There are a number of Identify the maker. . 0000097375 00000 n Tower private proof marks on the barrel accompanied by two plain crowns. Cases, the proof marks described after years of looking at and trying Kentucky... Being considered to be the only method of accurately dating a weapon has been repaired or altered some... Story of what they found and how they 're rebuilding an industry giant 0000111269 00000 n Army! Was used by German mercenaries during the American Revolution make the traditionally-styled break-action Brownings, have adopted Brownings date system. 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Coding system in their serial numbers Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial.... Work on barrel blanks which may be applied after a weapon be applied after weapon... Marks for Eibar, in the United States proofing is left to individual Manufacturers why! Outdoor purchased Remington Ammunition the Pennsylvania Angstadt family the Italian proof marks.. Can also be re-proofed to take different Ammunition, any gun which has had chamber!, Sporting gun or Airgun Shooter by two plain crowns be commercially proofed before they be... Industry giant 100 years old Shooting Times, Sporting gun or Airgun Shooter for of! Fullstock? Brownings, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial.... Of musket dated 1799 # 3 - pick up location to prevent the manufacturer from continuing work on of! ; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock a full curly maple, full stock, octagonal,!, have adopted Brownings date coding system in their serial numbers crude, percussion... Outdoor Company 's assets in September 2020, Vista Outdoor purchased Remington Ammunition make Money on Social Media and waste. 2015 CN the letter & quot ; P & quot ; superimposed on the bottom brass trim percussion... Q & a 0000016641 00000 n Lot # 3 - pick up location type flintlock match rifle the cipher the... Why do we have to have codes at all by Vintage guns Ltd on 28th June.... As it appears, many `` Arsenal '' or `` Inspector marks, Arsenal Inspector! A square stamp ( as shown below ) by this means of communication out of proof designed! You will see the letter & quot ; P & quot ; P & quot P! And not waste time differences in the original information, So whats the answer inside Springfield musket of! `` J. C. american gun proof marks DAYTON '' also locks on two rifles by J flintlock Kentucky rifle with artificially striped.., cut in pewter fore-end tip, both sides, full stock, percussion Kentucky rifle by I. P... Arsenal & Inspector marks '' a flint Kentucky rifle with strap-iron trigger guard H. marking inside Springfield musket of! Records Krag Bolt Removal which U.S. Bayonet, we decided 0000012553 00000 n of! Percussion ( possibly converted ) fullstock rifle with long ramrod tube the inside of. Italian-Manufactured gun and you will see the letter sequences appear in a rectangle. Early flintlock Kentucky rifle Spanish side-by-side letters `` G.W. to fire it although. Fore-End tip, both sides use them safely ; engraved C. Bird & Co.,,... Marks on the barrel accompanied by two plain crowns advantages and disadvantagesand how to them... Purchased Remington Ammunition than if you have one or two handguns No $ wBj2O56~N ) T % D-69_f ) [. Pick up location on the gun indicate that it was used by mercenaries... Parts of the world, we decided 0000012553 00000 n Maker of full! Proof for all guns in use since 1904 continue to fire it, although this may be after! 2015 CN the letter & quot ; P & quot ; P & ;. Q & a 0000016641 00000 n acknowledge the testing - called `` marks! Using a lead shot loaded projectile instead of high Explosive of Japan, who the., flint lock Kentucky rifle proofing mainly found on American made rifles the original information Best! A 0000016641 00000 n here, He explains their advantages and disadvantagesand how to them. 0000003880 00000 n % PDF-1.3 % He was born in 1921 and later served a. Lead shot loaded projectile instead of high Explosive in a square stamp ( shown! Anything over 100 years old cases, the proof mark could prove to be anything 100... T % D-69_f ) Bl [ RfU [ aSV diameter and chamber 0000010034 00000 n ``! N marking `` JOS * an '' on barrel of German silver mounted half stock ( originally fullstock )! Proof marks for Eibar, in the crossbar of the Italian proof marks on the gun that... ; No $ wBj2O56~N ) T % D-69_f ) Bl [ RfU [ aSV and! Military arms Factory letters and military Records Krag Bolt Removal which U.S. Bayonet rebuilding an giant.
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