A gentleman recently asked for information on the LCSCA Forum regarding his 1902 3E
with the Hunter Arms Proof Mark (Stylized PM and HACo in a square over NP) which was introduced about 1922; and the rectangular FE latch used after about 1930.
I suspect that the original FE was lost and replaced and barrels re-proved at that time after some repair: possibly dent removed or honed.
Hunter Arms proof tested their barrels in house and the statement “All L.C. Smith guns are guaranteed to shoot any Nitro Powder made” appeared in advertisements as early as 1894. The L.C. Smith listing in the 1908 Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalogue No. 117 included “Bored For Nitro Powder” (both Armor and Damascus barrels) and the Notice “All our guns are tested with heavy loads and cannot burst except by carelessness, obstruction in the barrel or improper home loaded shells with nitro or dense powder.”
LTC Calvin Goddard writing in "Army Ordnance" in 1934, stated that Hunter Arms proof tested 12ga 2 3/4" chamber barrels at 14,300 psi.
This of course means nothing about the safety of the barrels NOW, but is clear documentation that U.S. makers were proving damascus barrels after 1920, and possibly into the 30s.
