on a .44 Russian Smith and Wesson Revolver pistol that I own and am wondering why it is stamped on there. The pistol was probably made before 1900, and it also has British Proof Marks, so I am guessing that it was a "lend-lease weapon" for WW I (or even later WW II). I have read all kinds of speculation as to when it was stamped on the barrel (and frame) and why, but wonder if anyone really knows. Also did the British stamp it on any other US or foreign made items?
Interesting question. I will follow for answer. can you post pic? brad
I had an old Remington P14 with that stamp. Basically, any gun brought into Britain from 1925 until the mid 50s had to go through their proof process before it could be sold. Any weapon that was not obviously of British make AND that had markings that did not meet the British proof requirements was basically re-proofed with said stamp. Weapons brought in for military use from 39-45 did not go through the proof process until they were sold out of service. So, with the possible exception of officer weapons, all military use guns for WW2 were stamped after they were removed from service.
It's cool because the Russian .44 had to be manufactured no later than ten years before the British started using that stamp, so it either was put up for sale after 1925 or an even cooler possible story, it found it's way into the British military and was eventually sold out from there.
Edited by - South Jersey Mike on 02/06/2023 16:17:53
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