BRITISH PROOF MARKS

Stack

Britain has two proof houses, the London Proof House and the Birmingham Proof House. The barrel marking that, most commonly, identifies the London Proof House is a raised arm holding a scimitar. The rest of the barrel markings are related to the actual proofing of the firearm. None of the markings indicate when the proofing occurred. The barrel marking that, most commonly, identifies the Birmingham Proof House is a crown over the letters BNP or NP. The rest of the barrel markings are related to the actual proofing of the firearm, with the exception of one marking. It is referred to as the "private view mark" and consists of crossed lances, or a circle, with a letter, or letters, and a number. The number is to be disregarded as it only identifies the inspector. The letters reveal the year the firearm was proofed. The following chart cross references the letters with the year of proofing from 1921 until 2000 when the Birmingham Proof House sent me the chart.

yoshmyster

Is here a question in there somewheres?

Stack

quote:Originally posted by yoshmyster
Is here a question in there somewheres?


There is no question, I just want to share information, with others who have firearms that were proofed at the Birmingham Proof House and want to know when proofing occurred. It, sometimes, is an indication for when the firearm was manufactured.

sandwarrior

quote:Originally posted by yoshmyster
Is here a question in there somewheres?


The question is: Will you just take the information this individual has kindly given us and use it[:(!][}:)].

You don't always need to have a question to post here. Sometimes these posts come up because of questions in the past. And, questions in the future will come come up and YOU can use this as a reference. A range report for instance. Letting people know how something worked out for you that you did ask questions pertaining to.

Edit:

Stack,

Welcome to the forum. FWIW, I appreciate this post and the information within. I hope you find it more enjoyable in the future hanging around on this forum.

nononsense

Stack,

Welcome to the Gunbroker forums!

Thanks for the reference material regarding British proof marks. We often get questions about proof marks here so your information will be available through the Search function now.

Ask the Experts has multiple functions here on the Gunbroker forums and these functions are not necessarily limited to question about value or date of manufacturing. There is a whole world of firearms information and related topics out there and this forum provides a platform for the dissemination of that information.

Members do NOT have to have a question just to post so long as the post has relevance. Be aware that frivolous posts to test this statement will be deleted and the member locked out if this is required to contain their zeal. As always, the spam bots are constantly testing posts to clean up any untoward adverting.

If you think you have a question regarding a post, simply ask one of the Moderators for clarification, although it should be plain enough for everyone.

Best.

Stack

Here are two illustrations for identifying either the London or Birmingham Proof House. On the left are the two marks used by the London Proof House. The top is a Crown over CP (Crown Proof)) placed on the action or receiver, and the bottom illustration, a raised arm holding a scimitar over NP (Nitro Proof) will be found on the barrel. The illustration on the right, a Crown over BNP (Birmingham Nitro Proof), placed on both the action, or receiver, and barrel, identifies the Birmingham Proof House. These identifying marks have been in use since February 1, 1955. Viewing the barrel, the first mark, on the left, identifies the proof house. The next mark is the cartridge the firearm is chambered for. The third mark is the overall length of the cartridge case. The fourth mark is the working chamber pressure measured in British long tons. The fifth mark, the private view mark discussed previously, will be found only on firearms proofed in Birmingham.