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In the following three articles, The Crossed Sceptres & Crown Mark, Why The Tombstone?, and English Provincial Makers’ Marks, the authors discuss and illustrate the barrel markings found on provincially made English firearms. They have attempted to summarise the present state of knowledge and have drawn a few inferences. Clearly there is much more work to be undertaken. It is hoped that their efforts may encourage others to investigate the subject further, thereby adding to the history of British gunmaking.
The Crossed Sceptres & Crown Mark
Proof marks on English firearms made outside London and the developments which led to the establishment of the Birmingham Proof House in 1813, with its familiar “V” and “BPC” marks under crossed sceptres. (pdf file: 1.3mb)
Why The Tombstone?
Some arms proved in Birmingham after 1813 show additional stamps which take the form of “tombstone” shaped impressions with a variety of numbers and symbols enclosed therein. (pdf file: 1.1mb)
English Provincial Makers’ Marks
Provincial makers’ marks, i.e., those struck by gunmakers who were not members of the London Gunmakers Company. The fundamental question is whether these marks were struck merely to identify the maker of the piece, or whether they also signified that the item had actually passed a proof test successfully. (pdf file: 1.2mb)
