Info on marking on barrel, frame & cylinder

[JJman]

Appears to be a crown marking and letters BNP. Need insights pls

 

[Frank46]

BNP with the crown over it is a British proof mark. Basically they proofed each chamber and the revolver. Birmingham Nitro Proof if I'm correct. Frank

 

[JJman]

Thanks Frank. I thought BNP stood for British National Police if there is such thing.
John

 

[bruner1981]

BNP with the crown over it is a British proof mark. Basically they proofed each chamber and the revolver. Birmingham Nitro Proof if I'm correct. Frank

I agree with Frank on this one. These marks are seen pretty often, especially when it comes to wartime 38/200 such as this one.

 

[Art Doc]

The gun is a WW II British service revolver that has been modified (Lord, how many of these are out there?) with a cut barrel and new front sight. At least it wasn't cut so far the lug was lost. Shows a lot of neglect. Proper ammo will be 38 S&W but I bet it's been reamed for 38 Special as that was another common affliction.

 

[cgt4570]

Thanks Frank. I thought BNP stood for British National Police if there is such thing.
John

No and No.

 

[murphydog]

Back in the 1950s, many of these were sold out as British military surplus into the commercial gun market, and were proof-fired and stamped before sale. It was not done during the 1940s when they arrived in the UK; they were busy with more urgent matters...