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Hello,
I came across what looks like a proof mark on the barrel of a Model 1892 rifle. I have looked through my proof mark data base but do not recognize this style. Any help out there with this one?
Thanks
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Michael,
Is that the only marking on it? Usually, there will be other markings on the receiver frame, and the top of the breech bolt.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert Wrote:
Michael,
Is that the only making on it? Usually, there will be other markings on the receiver frame, and the top of the breech bolt.
Asking for more photos as we type!
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Hello Michael,
It looks like a British proof mark from the 1868-1925 era, but I´m not sure. Better picture would help…
I have checked all the British proof references I have and it is not a match. There are no other marks on the rifle and the seller "thinks" it may be Indian. Which I doubt since India was under British rule for so long. Google search time.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Indian marking it is not…still it looks quite much a London Proof House marking from the late 1800´s or early 1900´s. But as I said, I´m not even close for being sure….
Years ago I owned an 1892 takedown in 44-40 with the same markings (barrel, takedown ring, receiver, and top of bolt (SN 343446). I looked into the markings and thought they were British. Here are a few photos:
http://s992.photobucket.com/user/cleto539/media/44-4022-Copy_zpsa327cad7.jpg.html
http://s992.photobucket.com/user/cleto539/media/44-4026-Copy_zpsb0f004a6.jpg.html
http://s992.photobucket.com/user/cleto539/media/44-4023-Copy_zpsc0bb5edb.jpg.html
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
i believe it is British (London proof house)
In use from 1868-1925, this mark was used to show a single final proof with loads designed for temporary or provisional proof.
From what I found online, which is really confusing, is the lower marking on both rifles looks like the Birmingham Proof (1868-1925) for single barrel guns. The Birmingham proof with a crown above it denotes smokeless powder. Neither of these has the crown. We have a Lion. The London proof uses the Lion, which is shown on both and should be accompanied by a caliber stamp, which both do (why the 32 cal is stamped with a 44??). On another site I found a number of London proofs that have the lion and potentially the same script lower proof stamp (I believe is "BP" for British Proof??) dating between 1868 and 1925. Its too bad the illustration is grainy.
None of the other countries I found have anything similar with the exception of the Belgian proof. The Belgian proof uses the lion (a little different than the London proof lion) but will be accompanied by an E.C (English Powder) or P.V (powdre Vive), both indicating smokeless powder.
So, my bets are a London proof as Leverfan mentioned
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
Chris,
I rotated the image 90 degrees and photo shop sharpened it and it definitely does look like a British proof. I agree that the 44 nomenclature on a 32 WCF caliber is confusing.
Rick,
It definitely looks like the 7th image from the bottom, left side, in the link you posted. Thanks
Interesting that there are no there marks on the rifle.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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