Apparently circa 1904 there were American import houses as well as barrel agents for sourcing Belgian tubes: http://books.google.com/books?id=3W1JAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA212&dq=belgian+gun+barrels&lr= .

"The barrel is not paid for, however, until it has passed the usual test at the Goverment proving ground and bears the stamp of perfection." Under Manufactories and House Workers at line 13: http://books.google.com/books?id=yt3NAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA328&dq=belgian+gun+barrels&lr= .

Can anyone say if the American import houses required the "Government Test" or not?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse