Welcome
Thank you for
visiting our on-line listing of manufacturers identifying marks,
referred to more commonly as "Proof Marks",
"Arsenal" or "Inspector Marks". We have provided you
with this information in an attempt to clear up some wrong information
that we have found on this subject. After years of looking at and trying
to identify antique arms from different parts of the world, we decided
to share our findings by this means of communication.
Again, thank you
for your continued support, encouragement and admonishment.
I remain your obt servant,
Buck
Conner
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Proof
Marks, Arsenal & Inspector Marks
In addition to
arsenal marks, you will find other marks or stampings. These include the
date, serial number and property marks as well as various acceptance and
proof marks. I have not been able to locate an authoritative resource
for identifying the acceptance and proof marks as it appears, many
individual armorers and inspectors used their own unique stamps in some
cases.
Testing the gun
barrel began as a means to insure its safety and integrity. Board Of
Ordinance and Proof Houses were established by law in almost every
country requiring that weapons sold within the respective country, and
for exports be able to withstand a proscribed load without damage.
Once tested and successful the weapon was stamped with a seal to
acknowledge the testing - called "Proof Marks". These
marks tell the country of origin of the weapon. Proof Marks or
"Proofs" as they are sometimes referred to have changed over
time, therefore assisting in dating the arm.
Some older foreign
manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a
location, rather than a manufacturer. These firearms
are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. The
examiner must rely on proof marks when trying to identify these
firearms. Military firearms can be difficult to identify because they
typically do not have a caliber designation; symbols and codes are used
to identify the manufacturer. Measuring the bore diameter and chamber
will normally provide the information needed to make a caliber
determination. Knowledge of commonly used military ammunition assists
the examiner in determining the caliber designation of a military
weapon.
There are a number of
reference books that display proof marks and their meanings. Seen
below are samples of Proof Marks of different countries.
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