M1917 w/British Proofs?

[saber58]

Hi All,
I recently purchased a M1917 which has in addition to the standard US markings, what appear to be British proof markings. Each cylinder has a crown over a coupled CP. the right side of the barrel has an NP, a symbol, then .45”, then .900”, then 7 Tons. So the question is: are these British proofs, and what would that tell me about this revolver’s history. The serial number places the year of manufacture as 1918. There are no import markings. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Mark

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[AlanDavid]

They are British commercial proof marks. Look like London proof house rather than Birmingham. The only thing these marks tell us is that the revolver was in the UK and proofed there after the war.

In all likely hood however this may be one of the 20,000 Model 1917 pistols that were part of the $37 million purchase of U.S. military weapons purchased through the U.S Steel Corporation in June 1940.

Some of these revolvers have been observed with Air Ministry markings or the vestige of red paint in the markings on the barrel, used to show that the weapon was of a non standard calibre in British service.


Regards

AlanD
Sydney

 

[PJGP]

Yes, they are post 1955 London Proof House marks. It is not CP, but GP (originally Gunakers Proof).

Peter

 

[Iggy]

Probably proofed after being declared surplus and offered for sale to the public in 1955.

 

[Absalom]

Probably proofed after being declared surplus and offered for sale to the public in 1955.

Yes, in or after. The rule and therewith the pattern of stampings changed in 1955.

As Alan points out, these are commercial; whoever bought these from the government had the responsibility to get them to one of the proofhouses and get them proofed. Birmingham used a helpful viewmark that could tell us the year, but London did not until much later.

And in case the OP wants the proofs explained: .45 is obviously the caliber, .900 the proof load case length, and 7 tons per square inch the pressure.

 

[saber58]

Gentleman, you all Rock! Thanks for the info. I’ve given the M1917 a good scrubbing, and ordered some .45 AR casings.


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