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The 9,3X47R Express was not a dedicated 9,3X47R Express Barrel in the initial German Express Proof Tables(1891(1893)-1939), so the individual offering the Platform w/ Express Barrels for proof must provide in writing load data as well as ammo to the Proof Master free of charge.

Regarding the Express Barrels, there were smooth bore as well as rifled. The table begins w/ 12 bore; has 20 bore then 24 bore(0.577 Express) is noted both for smooth bore as well as rifled as well is 37 bore, which is noted as 0.500 Express. The British 0.450 Express is 51.05 bore(11.43mm).

12 Bore
20 Bore
24 Bore - Both Smooth & Rifled Express Barrels
37 Bore - "
51.05 Bore(11.43mm) - "

Another Reference gives the above plus

72.68(10.16mm) bore &
99.7(9,14mm). So, I guess the 9,3X47R may fit this profile and more than likely was a later addition to the Express Barrel Proof Table.


Hochachtungsvoll,

Raimey
rse

When it comes to the Germans crossing swords w/ other proof facilities, German 1st took on Great Britain in 1893 and established reciprocity. France followed in 1904. The Austro-Hungarian Empire(where 1/2 of German exports were destined) attempted in 1893 but they withdrew as the Germans demanded that the Austro-Hungarian Empire cease reciprocity w/ Belgium. The Austro-Hungarian Empire finally attained reciprocity in 1910, where the Belgians vehemently opposed this deal, for good reason. It seems the Germans were always kicking the Belgians to the curb and that was why the Belgians were continually updating their proof laws??


Hochachtungsvoll,

Raimey
rse

Too, more than likely it would be informative to check the British Proof Rules for insight as the Germans didn't come up w/ any of their proof law data on their own but rather hastily cobbled together legislation from other Proof Centres, which made the German Proof Law obsolete right out of the gate according to authors like Otto Maretsch. Belgian Proof Authority.


Hochachtungsvoll,

Raimey
rse

Along the same vein, but a different site had a drilling up for auction. Rifle barrel was marked (but not as proof mark) as being .450 82mm and the auctioneers had this labeled as a 450 Nitro Express. I emailed them to say that was very unlikely on an older (Collath) drilling from the black powder days, and it was much more likely a 450 black powder express. Especially with a very thin profile rifle barrel. They did not update the description on Proxibid but perhaps did on their own site (I didn't check). Drilling sold for $2100. I cannot fathom touching of a 450 3.25" Nitro round in a lightweight drilling.

https://www.proxibid.com//Guns-Mili...el-Shotgun-Rifle/lotInformation/99019608

1 Diana - 12 Bore X 450 - 82 mm

Most interesting addition. I too would assume with quite a bit of confidence that the chambering is for the 450 BPExpress and would have been proofed under the Express Barrel Proof Tables(Rifled) being a 51.05 Bore & having the following proof load data:

1st Proof - 361.1 Grains of Powder & a Bullet Weight of 574.1 Grains

2nd Proof - 240.7 Grains of Powder & a Bullet Weight of 574.1 Grains

Standard Load of 120.4 Grains of Powder & a Bullet Weight of 430.6 Grains


Hochachtungsvoll,

Raimey
rse

On the Belgian Express Rifled Barrel theme, Belgian Express Rifled Barrels underwent proof per the German tables of the period. Sources give that there wasn't a special stamp, but the Belgian Proof Master must have authorized the >>Express<< Stamp and evidently, no other Belgian Rifled Barrels, less the Belgian Express Rifled Barrels, were admitted into German without reproof?

Hochachtungsvoll,

Raimey
rse

Raimey,

Thank you for the great info. I had no idea the 1st proof charge was three times the standard loading. That's amazing.

Chris

I can post the German Express Barrel Proof Table, which shows both smooth bore & rifled, if anyone is interested.



Hochachtungsvoll,

Raimey
rse

Original and in German & Grammes, but it Best displays the difference between Smoothbore & Rifled Express Tubes Proof Loads.


Hochachtungsvoll,

Raimey
rse

Using Google Lens on the image, and then asking AI for a translation gave the following. Is it reasonably accurate?

This text is from a historical German manual on firearms and ballistics, likely relating to the German Proof Law of 1891. It details official loading specifications for proof-testing rifle barrels, specifically focusing on "Express" calibers.
gumv.de
gumv.de
+1
Text Translation
Top Paragraph:
"...of what practical value are such designations, which are only understandable to the specialist and, even for them, not in all cases? Finally, there follows a list of 5 loads for rifle barrels with reinforced (proof) loads — Express barrels according to the same system. We provide only some of them for comparison. Compare also with the shot loads above."
The Table (Technical Data):
The table lists dimensions and load weights. The "Express" entries refer to famous British big-game cartridges:
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+1
Express (engl. 577): The .577 Black Powder Express.
Express (engl. 500): The .500 Black Powder Express.
Express (engl. 450): The .450 Black Powder Express.

Bottom Paragraph:
"For all calibers not specified in the caliber table, the sender must report the prescribed load of powder and lead in writing or provide the corresponding cartridges free of charge."

Footer:
"Proof marks for rifled barrels" (Prüfzeichen für gezogene Läufe)

Key Technical Terms
Ladung: Load (the amount of gunpowder and lead/bullet).
Büchsläufe: Rifle barrels.
Verstärkter Ladung: Reinforced or "Proof" load (a higher-pressure charge used to test the safety of a gun barrel).
Pulver und Blei: Powder and lead (referring to the black powder and lead bullets used at the time).
gumv.de
gumv.de
This document was essential for Proof Houses to ensure that newly manufactured or imported rifles could safely handle the high pressures of "Express" hunting loads before being sold to the public.