sceptres with a crown above, which he identifies as the, “private proof mark of Ketland of Birmingham, which later developed into the Birmingham proof house mark”. Only Birmingham used the per □" addition and then only until 1984. Where were guns proofed during 1944-1949? Copies of the Several Acts and of Rules of Proof of 2006 may be obtained from either Proof House. For the first time the words Nitro Proof were used with the highest service load. The London provisional mark was introduced at some point during this proof period but even the Proof House cannot be sure precisely when at this distance in time. Many old guns may have been re-proved once or more, often in a different proof house from the original one. Many old guns may have been re-proved once or more, often in a different proof house from the original one. Birmingham Proof Marks - ? Nigel Brown. Ferlach, Austria year code. This is not a date mark, although occasionally the number may coincidentally seem to relate to one's approximate estimate of the rifle's age; it does not. English pressure test Birmingham proof marks are stamped on each chamber of the cylinder, as well as on the barrel. I've found other references that depict German proof marks matching these very closely. Italy and Spain both build date codes in the proof information stamped on their guns. Birmingham introduced their private viewers date stamps from 1921. The majority of marks will be found on the barrel flats, though early guns may have stamps on the tubes, under the forend. Or, the differences aren't important. For corroboration, cross-reference with the proof house controllers' mark. Gun Barrel Proof Marks. This was the first proof period when the bore/gauge size of the weapon was marked and was normally placed between the definitive and view marks. Round, ringed, iron, .56 caliber, 7 1/4", smoothbore barrel with very smooth gunmetal-gray surfaces, two (2) early Birmingham proof marks, a sharp “IW” (John Waters) maker’s mark and a fine touch-hole. Birmingham inspection mark used since 1904. Any subsequent enlargement e.g. Birmingham (Anchor symbol) Sheffield (Rose) London (Leopard) Edinburgh (Castle) As you can see, this ring was assayed in Birmingham. PROOF MARKS: BRITISH PROOF MARKS - ENGLAND, cont. 1925 - 1954 The actual length of chamber at the time of proof was stamped for the first time. The following information comes from The Book of the Pistol and Revolver by Hugh B. C. Pollard.The Book of the Pistol and Revolver is also available to purchase in print.. 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. Standard Armisport Enfield direct from the factory; Italian proof marks and serial number are very visible: Defarbed Armisport Enfield: Serial number relocated to the bottom of the barrel, Italian proofmarks removed, barrel polished and correct 1862 Birmingham proof marks added. Guns with BIRMINGHAM 4 on the side of the cylinder were made up to 1958 after which the 4 was Removed. Semi-smokeless proof for all guns in use since 1904. The London marks may be accompanied by private makers' marks, those for Birmingham will be unofficial private proof and makers marks. He also wrote a pamphlet - The Proof House - The bane of trade - which was instrumental in reforming the gun barrel proof hat in the act of 1855. This was the first period that fractional gauge sizes were marked between 12/2 (.740), 12 (.729), 13/1 (.719) and 13 (.710) in respect of 12 gauge guns. 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 gun’s life. Fourth is the pressure of the nitro proof charge in tons per square inch. In use from 1868-1925, this mark was used to show a single final proof with loads designed for temporary or provisional proof. Unauthorized Activity Has Been Detected. German firearms are loaded with a variety of markings and stamps. Mark of admission to proof. This is an open ended project, new marks are continually added. All Rights Reserved. William wrote three books, The Gun in 1834, The Science of Gunnery in 1842 and Gunnery in 1858. Proof Marks. Birmingham used date stamp of five different types: the first from 1921 to 1941, the second from 1950 to 1974, the third from 1975 to 1984, the fourth from 1985 until 2005 and the last one from 2005 and onwards. The majority of marks will be found on the barrel flats, though early guns may have stamps on the tubes, under the forend. Proof marks on guns. The Birmingham date stamps will be changing as described earlier during 2006 or when the rules become operative if later. {note - Many British makers' marks, especially in the 18th & earlier 19th centuries, are nearly identical. On your rifle : F is the letter code in the left angle of the swords. E 39 . Birmingham Proof House Date Codes . During this period guns made outside UK but proved here had the British marks encircled and the words 'Not English Make' additionally stamped. "Highland-type" flintlock mechanism with a hooked type half-cock and its original components. Birmingham Proof House. Volume Two - Birmingham, Scotland & the Regions. The guardians of the Assay Office meet annually in July when, until 1975, the date letter was changed. Here we have a 12 gauge that lacks smokeless proof marks and therefore probably dates to between 1891 and 1912. The eagle-Nitro mark shows that the gun was proof tested with smokeless powder and the 11/25 mark is the proof date of November 1925. It is a grade II* listed building.. Almost 200 years later the purpose of the Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House remains essentially unchanged and is able to offer many additional services to that of proof. 65 mm (2½ inches) or 70mm (2¾ inches). Wirnsberger describes it as a mark used before 1923 on breechloading under-lever shotguns, and describes a nearly identical mark only as a "Mark used by Eibar proof house" between December 14, 1929 and July 9, 1931.