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Origin and Dating of Proof Mark
gentson
Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
I hope someone can provide some information on these proof-type marks that are on an old flintlock pistol. I cannot find them on the internet or in my reference books. The pistol is very ornate and even though I have had several people look at it, none of us saw the proof marks until the second or third time. The marks are located on the inner part of the butt of the grip. Any help will be appreciated! Thank you.
gentson
http://forums.gunbroker.com/pics/gj1/proof.JPG
gentson
http://forums.gunbroker.com/pics/gj1/proof.JPG
Comments
Google, Silver Hall Marks.
gentson
Inletting isn't so good so I'm thinking not German, maybe Belgian.
Very ornate metalwork.It looks cast, not engraved.
While the engraving and carving may appear "Germanic" I'm going well out on a limb and guessing Italy; as mandatory proofing did not start until 1923-24. Before that it was voluntary and, personally, I don't know of any good sources for early Italian proof, or maker or guild marks.
I hope someone can provide some information on these proof-type marks that are on an old flintlock pistol. I cannot find them on the internet or in my reference books. The pistol is very ornate and even though I have had several people look at it, none of us saw the proof marks until the second or third time. The marks are located on the inner part of the butt of the grip. Any help will be appreciated! Thank you.
gentson
http://forums.gunbroker.com/pics/gj1/proof.JPG
No offense meant, don't mean to rain on your parade "BUT" Flintlocks went out of use generally in the 1830's. The pistol in the photos doesn't show the wear and patina you would expect from a 170 year old Flintlock pistol.
Red wood looks like that found on Indian furniture. The carving marks, detail of the wood carving and poor inletting of the metal work, along with cast instead of engraved silverwork: I'd say Spanish, Indian or Pakistani manufacture.
Appearance of the pan tells me it probably wouldnt work in the rain.