French reproof is a crown and R. I've owned one gun with that mark. I'd say Ted's right. Without the reproof mark, someone had the chambers punched but the gun was not submitted for reproof.
Larry,
That is just one mark of French reproof, and it is the mark for St. Etienne since 1960. Reproof with black powder is an R with a different crown in St. Etienne, and just an R in Paris. P.T. under star but over an R is smokeless powder reproof in Paris. Superior smokeless powder reproof is the same, except 2 stars.
Like I said, just the study of reproof marks could keep a guy busy a long time. Around 1950, there were Darne guns that were proofed at 70 chamber, but, were still marked 65. How many is anyone's guess, but, it did happen, and not to just a few.
Having pointed all that rot out, I see nothing on the flats that makes me believe this gun was ever reproofed.
Best,
Ted
