Originally Posted By: craigd
I suppose it might be a part of initial manufacture, but if no one trusts proof stampings after that point, what's their value?


Well, depending on country where proof was done they help identify county of origin chamber length and weight plus power of loads the gun was originally designed for. Being we have "tire, string, big tree" as proof house in America we can go by original mechanical condition and measure of barrel wall thickness. I would say they will try to sell you anything in USA safe or not so be aware what you're looking at.