doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Reading proof markings *NEW PIC ADDED*

New pic


,

Sure looks like a re-proof

to 2 3/4 " cartridges
and 3 1/4 tons per square "

Mike

Birmingham nitro proofs. Does look a little strange, but I have limited experience looking at reproofs. The Birmingham proof house could tell you definitively whether these proofs were done by them. Send a clear photo and ask them?

Sorry battle, but I am still unsure about these marks. The '1/4' that follows the '3' overlaps with the 'tons' in a most unusual way and the '3' looks rather different (and fresher) than the 'tons...'.
Also the '1/2' of '2 1/2' has been overstamped with the '3/4', again most unusual for this to be done when there is plenty of space to put in a fresh '2 3/4"'mark.
The date stamp is unclear but appears to be in the range of 1950 to 1974, left letter might be an S which would be for 1967. The Imperial bore measurement was introduced in 1954 along with 'tons per [square]"' mark.
Quite correct that the reproof 'R' was sometimes missed off but by this date it was the exception rather than the rule.
I have to say I think the marks are suspect at best.
As Chukarman says above, only Birmingham Proof House could confirm one way or the other. Phone them, they are quite helpful.

Never mind the proof marks .I would worry about the rest of the gun form the batted look of the lumps in the photo .