Odd Proof Mark
Odd Proof Mark
I have a New Model Army with five odd proof marks. Does anyone know what they are and where they're from?
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Re: Odd Proof Mark
Hello,
Those are inspection marks made by Ordnance Department inspectors. Once the factory had a supply of revolvers ready for shipment, a team of inspectors was sent to the factory to inspect the revolvers. When the major parts passed inspection the inspector stamped his initial on the part. If all of the parts of the revolver passed inspection the principal sub-inspector stamped his cartouche on the left grip indicating the revolver had been accepted by the Ordnance Department. If your revolver does not have a cartouche it was probably worn off during its life. There should also be inspection marks on the frame, cylinder, trigger guard and on the barrel by the frame.
Bill
Those are inspection marks made by Ordnance Department inspectors. Once the factory had a supply of revolvers ready for shipment, a team of inspectors was sent to the factory to inspect the revolvers. When the major parts passed inspection the inspector stamped his initial on the part. If all of the parts of the revolver passed inspection the principal sub-inspector stamped his cartouche on the left grip indicating the revolver had been accepted by the Ordnance Department. If your revolver does not have a cartouche it was probably worn off during its life. There should also be inspection marks on the frame, cylinder, trigger guard and on the barrel by the frame.
Bill
Re: Odd Proof Mark
Tx Bill, I'm fairly familiar with the Remington proof marks, which are usually initials, such as W, R, S, or P, and of course cartouches. However, I've never seen these marks on any of the many antique weapons I've inspected. They look like asian symbols. I've searched hundreds of proof mark sheets and publications, and I have not found anything like these. Any additional thoughts or guidance would be appreciated. Tx, Mike
Re: Odd Proof Mark
The New Model Army at issue has standard W proof marks on the left side of the frame behind the hammer and on the trigger guard aft of the trigger. These odd square marks are found on both sides of the frame forward of the cylinder, the left side of the ram lever, and the nipple end of the cylinder. The two piece mark is found only on the bottom of the barrel just forward of the latch post. There are no other proof marks on this weapon. I have another martially marked New Model Army with standard initial proof marks in the places Bill described. This one's a puzzle.
Re: Odd Proof Mark
Is it possible that the marks are over stamps of a previous mark? Don't know why this would happen, just tossing it out as a possibility.
Re: Odd Proof Mark
For what it's worth here are some odd marks on some of my NMA's.
Re: Odd Proof Mark
Thank you all for the input. My take away is that the marks may be odd but not unheard of. If you have any other thoughts, please let me know.
Re: Odd Proof Mark
Dave Anderson of Outdoor Canada agreed with Bill and opined that the marks are probably not proof marks but "ordnance department marks of the sub-inspector who carried out the examination and approved it for military acceptance. However I've been going through books and online searches and can't confirm who the inspector was." He also thought the very faint cartouche on the left grip under the screw head may be BH for Benjamin Hannin.
Again, thanks for all of the input. I appreciate everyone's comments and thoughts.
Again, thanks for all of the input. I appreciate everyone's comments and thoughts.