Proof marks on SW .455 Webleys

[Kris Whiteleather]

Any comprehensive, on-line listing of proof marks for firearms? Have a pair of ivory handled Smith and Wesson revolvers with British proofs on them.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp94/Whiteleather_album/100_3236.jpg

Things like a crown over NP or BV or BP I understand as "nitro powder", "Birminghan view", and "Black Powder", but some of the other marks are confusing like:

A pair of crossed swords on the face of the cylinder.

Iron crosses flanking the "Smith and Wesson Springfield. MASS..." text on the barrel.

Half an asterisk under the cylinder release.

And another pair of crossed swords with a "." in the north position, a "2" in the south position, and a "B" in both the east and west positions.

And finally another crown over "Z6" and that all over an "E".

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp94/Whiteleather_album/100_3239.jpg

Any leads toward a comprehensive listing of firearms proof marks would be greatly appreciated.

Kris in NY

 

[deadin]

Things like a crown over NP or BV or BP I understand as "nitro powder", "Birminghan view", and "Black Powder"
These marks indicate that the gun was sold commercially at some time after release from the military (surplus)

, but some of the other marks are confusing like:

A pair of crossed swords on the face of the cylinder.
This is a standard acceptance mark on military .455's
I believe these were applied by Remington. (They were the purchasing agent for Britain during WW1.)

Iron crosses flanking the "Smith and Wesson Springfield. MASS..." text on the barrel.
These are normal marks found on earlier S&W barrel markings are don't signify anything. They are just part of the barrel inscription.

Half an asterisk under the cylinder release.
Standard British War Department property mark called a "Broad Arrow". Two broad arrows, point to point (making a full "asterisk") indicate that the gun was offically "released from stores".

And another pair of crossed swords with a "." in the north position, a "2" in the south position, and a "B" in both the east and west positions.
I've seen this type of mark but don't know the translation. Some type of either a proof or acceptance mark.

And finally another crown over "Z6" and that all over an "E"
Standard Enfield acceptance mark. The "Z6" is the inspectors mark.

 

[Kris Whiteleather]

Holy Crap!

That was genius! Thank you very much.

Do you hold that info in your head, or is there a reference book I should have on my shelf?

Thanks again!

Kris in NY

 

[red9]

Reference books

Two books I would recommend are Robert Steindler's Standard Directory of Proof Marks and David Byron's Gunmarks. Gunmarks is very good for logos and trade names. You should be able to find both on ebay or Amazon.

Bob

 

[PJGP]

And another pair of crossed swords with a "." in the north position, a "2" in the south position, and a "B" in both the east and west positions.
Kris in NY

You don't say where this mark is Kris, but I am pretty sure that it is the coded date of commercial Birmingham proofing. The right hand B is Birmingham, the left hand one 1951 and the 2 is the inspector's number. The . at the top is just a stray mark. This mark is usually found underneath the left hand grip.

Peter

 

[deadin]

The two books mentioned by Red9 are good references.
(I have both in my library.)
Unfortunately, they don't have much on British military marks.