The Provisional Proof is not mandatory. It is just a simple stress test on a barrel tube; usually submitted singly, that shows any possible weakness before more expensive work starts. Any gun imported from a Country that does not have a recognised Proof House such as from the U.S. or Russia has to go for Definitive Proof before it can legally be offered for sale. I have come across quite a few American guns here that have never been Proof tested. It is my opinion that they came in with American Servicemen who then sold them on direct to some local person by way of private trade rather than take them back home. I have had an L.C.Smith a Winchester Model 12 and a model 1893 like this. I still have the 1893; the others I submitted before sale. Technically the 1893 is valueless here until I submit it. I intend to do so some time but only for Black Powder Proof. It is then saleable. I commit no offence by using it or owning it but cannot sell it as it is. I suppose an uncut and un-chambered tube is just that. The Proof House will answer that question I'm sure. Always most helpful. Lagopus.....
