I still think that they are new barrels as the original would have been damascus (serial number puts it at 1880). The re-proof mark would still have to be applied as it would refer to the action also which would have been 're-proofed'. I can't say too much about London proof as I always use Birmingham and they leave all the old marks on as it is a useful chronological record of the history of the gun. I would think that if the old marks were polished off the barrel flats and the action flats so much metal would be removed as to make the thing fail to fit together; English guns are made to fine tolerances. Lagopus.....
