Need Proof Mark Identification Please (Belgium Belgian)

[Bigdooger]

Hello;

I recently bought a revolver from the late 1800's that bears Proof Marks that are distinctly from Belgium. All but one have been explained through repeated searches on the internet;

The rear of the cylinder bears a Proof Mark that consists of a: Crown over L (Crown L)

From what I've seen MANY revolvers bear both the Liege Proof (Crown ELG) and the Crown L on the cylinder.

Any help would be appreciated on the meaning of the Crown L.

Thanks

Bigdooger

 

[Vaarok]

Liege Belgium firing pressure proofmark from what I understand.

 

[Jim K]

A crown over a circled "L" means the gun was not made in Belgium and either was not proved or has proof marks not recognized by Belgium. (Guns made in the U.S. and sold in Belgium have that mark.) It is in addition to the Belgian proof marks.

I don't know if the plain crown/L (no circle) means the same thing. Does the gun have any other markings or indication of origin?

Jim

 

[Bigdooger]

Thanks for the interest and responses!

I received an e-mail that states: "This is indeed a revolver of Belgian origin (Liege) manufactured by BERTAND Antoine & Fils,25 rue Fabry, in Liege. The company was registered with the Liege Proof House from 1886 to 1900." Picture of firearm attached to e-mail to me matched mine...

The firing pressure proof mark sure sounds plausible.

I know the "Crown L" (No circle) Proof has been on MANY Belgian revolvers and several non-Belgian-made revolvers as well. What really caught my interest was a Smith & Wesson Revolver bought New in Europe in 1980 (Paperwork shows shipped there from U.S. in 1979) had various proofs and the "Crown L" on the cylinder.

Other Proofs that I remember on Revolver are: "Star G" on barrel and frame where they meet as well as on on rear face of cylinder. A "Crown R" exists on the barrel just in front of the Star G. There are a pair of crossed sabres on front lower left of frame. Two characters (One on each side of the crossed sabres) are: an illegible mark on the left... and what looks like a Capital "L" on the right.

Thanks again.

BD

If anyone would like pictures, I can do so in about a week when I get back home.

 

[vaupet]

crown over a capital letter was used from 1853 to 1877 to identify the inspector who proofed the weapon.

I have no list of names of the 1800 , sadly.

this is an interesting link, though not complete: http://damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.html

greetz

Peter