What is this mark on my winchester 1892..?
- Thread starter tac2003
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SDC
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It looks a lot like a German proof mark; do you know where this rifle has travelled? Some countries specifiy that in order for a firearm to be sold in that country, it also has to go through a re-proof, where it's stamped to show acceptance. That might also explain the "44" next to it; usually, they stamp the calibre or gauge as well, and any change from that calibre or gauge puts the firearm out of proof again. That's my best guess, at least. HTH.
The picture isn't clear enough for me to see, but does it look like something you recognize when viewed upside down? The "44 " to the left of the mark is upside down. I have one of those "For Collectors Only" series books on the 1892, and neither the mark nor the upside down 44 appear to be standard. I am not an expert, though.
yankytrash
Member
We need more of a close-up on that proof next to the 44, if that's possible. Can't be a hard one to crack.
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
Let's move this over to Harley's bailiwick...
Art
Art
It is a proof mark, but English (Birmingham), not German.
Wirnsberger shows the mark in his table and says, "In use from 1868-1925, this mark was used to indicate a single, final proof with loads designed for temporary or provisional proof."
He also shows the mark in the text, saying that "On special application, a smoothbored gun could be proofed but once, but in accordance with the load set forth for final or definitive proof."
That would seem to indicate that the gun is smoothbore. Is it? If so, and considering the "special application", I wonder if it could be a gun that was used in some show or other. Smooth bore rifles (a contradiction, but you all know what I mean) were often used in "Wild West" shows so trick shots could break balloons or flying targets without firing bullets, which would not only be dangerous but would tear up a tent, which small "dust shot" would not.
Jim
Wirnsberger shows the mark in his table and says, "In use from 1868-1925, this mark was used to indicate a single, final proof with loads designed for temporary or provisional proof."
He also shows the mark in the text, saying that "On special application, a smoothbored gun could be proofed but once, but in accordance with the load set forth for final or definitive proof."
That would seem to indicate that the gun is smoothbore. Is it? If so, and considering the "special application", I wonder if it could be a gun that was used in some show or other. Smooth bore rifles (a contradiction, but you all know what I mean) were often used in "Wild West" shows so trick shots could break balloons or flying targets without firing bullets, which would not only be dangerous but would tear up a tent, which small "dust shot" would not.
Jim
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