1917 odd British Proof

[chiefdave]

the S/N 123708 puts it about 2/3rds of the way thru WW1 production and has the flaming bomb and eagle head over S2 proof marks. Factory rework in 11/54 and looks likes the barrel, cylinder, star (no s/n) and possibly the side plate were replaced. Magna stocks may have been added also. What baffles me is there is a lone British proof mark (crown over circled V) on the right side of the frame, we all know how the Brit's like there proof marks (I have one example that has 6 on the left side of the frame). Pate's book shows one example with this lone frame proof mark and identifies it as Pre Lend Lease. This brings up the question how it got back to the US without the proliferation of out of military service stamp? Anyone have an opinion? The incorrect 30's style stocks are numbered 187698, if you have that revolver or are otherwise interested PM me.

 

[H Richard]

I think it's the possibility that an British Officer, sometime after WWI sold the revolver directly to an American GI that brought it back inside his household goods shipping to the US.

I know when I shipped back from France to the US I had a large trunk of about 275 lbs, (allowed up to 400 lbs), and there were no questions or inspection before they put a sealed band around the trunk and said it would be in the US in about a month. I could have put anything in there.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Just a guess, Chief, but the stocks are probably off a Brazilian 1917. The first shipment in 1938 wore that style. Here's mine as an example:

 

[Jack Flash]

The NRA Museum "Proof Marks" List, British Section, depicts a Crown over V, which is identified as a London View Mark, since 1670. ("London" meaning the Royal Small Arms Factory located there).

Similarly, Crown over BV indicates a Birmingham View Mark, since 1904.

I'm guessing the circle is either a variation of the London mark or it signifies some other location.

 

[chiefdave]

The NRA Museum "Proof Marks" List, British Section, depicts a Crown over V, which is identified as a London View Mark, since 1670. ("London" meaning the Royal Small Arms Factory located there).

Similarly, Crown over BV indicates a Birmingham View Mark, since 1904.

I'm guessing the circle is either a variation of the London mark or it signifies some other location.

Found the crown over circled V in Pate's book in the inter war section. According to him it was used from 1925-55 so would exclude WW1.