Identify a British stamp on an alleged 1851 Navy

[Joe from N.Y.]

Greetings all - I had a thread about 6 years ago in this section where i was trying to identify a 1851 Navy for my friend who found it among his father's personal effects when he died in 1989. I tried to bump the old thread but it is too old. I figured with the new members in the last 6 years, a fresh look at it might help. He was trying to determine anything about the gun he could find out. The photos are in this thread.
There is some kind of stamp on the grip that looks like a proof mark, a crown over an "E8". Can anyone (new or old) chime in with an opinion on this possible Colt?

Thanks

 

[Joe from N.Y.]

more photos:

 

[Jim K]

I have not checked, but I think I previously expressed serious doubt about the authenticity of that gun, which, even if genuine, is in poor condition. The barrel markings are wrong and may have been removed and re-cut. The flats and edges are in too good shape to be consistent with the rest of the gun. The gun has been heavily buffed, yet some areas appear untouched. In sum, either a heavily modified original, or a worked over repro. Either way, of little value.

Jim

 

[Joe from N.Y.]

What could that crown over letters be on the grip? I couldnt find that symbol anywhere on the internet.

Additionally, what would the R.Jackson mean under the barrel? I see there was a gun dealer in london around that time that was called "R. Jackson". I see it listed on some auction piece listings. https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21658/lot/55/

 

[Sistema1927]

What could that crown over letters be on the grip? I couldnt find that symbol anywhere on the internet.

Well, there is this, but it is ER not E8, and it is about 100 years too late if that gun is legit:

http://www.viscoimages.com/photo/12287-E-II-R-Acronym-Elizabeth-II-Regina-Queen-of-Great-Britain.jpg

 

[Joe from N.Y.]

i think the one on the gun is an "8". And the crown is a bit different.

 

[Sistema1927]

During the right period for that pistol the British Sovereign's mark would have looked like this:

http://www.martinihenry.org/image/cache/data/NAA-Marking-500x700.jpg

VR = Victoria Regina (Queen Victoria, 1837-1901)

 

[TheSquire]

I'm not sure why a proof mark be on the grip and not on the barrel or frame. I can't find it in any of my reference books or on the interweb but I think it could possibly be an owners stamp or perhaps an inventory number.

 

[Gaucho Gringo]

One way to see if it was a reproduction or original is see whether or not the screws are metric. If metric it is a reproduction. Also look at the rifling to see if it's gain twist.