I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the history of proof marks on older guns (both handguns or longguns). I see them particularly on older belgian guns. I am interested in the process involved in applying the proof marks. Was each gun individually proof tested, or was it like cars today where you would test a demo model to destruction, and then apply the rating to each production model? Was proofing done in house, with or without oversight of a governing body, or at an entirely seperate location by an independant organization?
I dont really see any proof marks on new guns. Is there a reason the process was stopped, and roughly when did it stop?
Hoping to get some interesting information, and thank you for your help!
I dont really see any proof marks on new guns. Is there a reason the process was stopped, and roughly when did it stop?
Hoping to get some interesting information, and thank you for your help!