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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 298 Likes: 43
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 298 Likes: 43 |
Raimey, just based on what I've looked at, I would have thought this early a gun would have no bore marking or one in gauge, not caliber. To me those 440 markings are odd, and the strange stampings to the left of the V-crown marks don't fit with British proof marks. Magnifying them just shows they are the same (vs a canceled mark), in my opinion.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,784 Likes: 185
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,784 Likes: 185 |
It looks like the dies were worn & then there was a bit of tube work that partially worked the marks off a bit?? Serbus, Raimey rse
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1 member likes this:
CJF |
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 180 Likes: 18
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 180 Likes: 18 |
I think they'll allow a .440" diameter plug to pass, but not a .450". I have seen another pair just like it, i.e. probably the same stamp.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75 |
I think they'll allow a .440" diameter plug to pass, but not a .450". I have seen another pair just like it, i.e. probably the same stamp. Thanks Mike
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,784 Likes: 185
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,784 Likes: 185 |
I think we should drag Dig in on this. Shall I hit him up????
Serbus,
Raimey rse
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75 |
...... So even at 20 year's duration, you know production should be no later than 1892. I think this is reasonable to estimate as a latest date of manufacture. Thanks
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75 |
I think we should drag Dig in on this. Shall I hit him up????
Serbus,
Raimey rse Sure if he is interested, that could be helpful. He could offer some more on the Thomas Hepplestone's as a gunmaker
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75 |
.......
Lastly, for some reason the marks closest to the barrel flats suggest the rifle spent some time in India or points further east. ....... CJF, I would be interested in more info on why you think what you said in your comment. That mark you speak of is very smeared and hard to see exactly what it is. If you think you know or can find a picture of it that would be helpful. To me the history of an old gun is as interesting as the gun itself
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 298 Likes: 43
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 298 Likes: 43 |
.......
Lastly, for some reason the marks closest to the barrel flats suggest the rifle spent some time in India or points further east. ....... CJF, I would be interested in more info on why you think what you said in your comment. That mark you speak of is very smeared and hard to see exactly what it is. If you think you know or can find a picture of it that would be helpful. To me the history of an old gun is as interesting as the gun itself LRF, totally fair question. I think I am wrong. Below I've highlighted the proof that did not look right to me, and seemed perhaps to be Hindi script, particularly the barrel pictured on the right in the pic below. But I think we're seeing only the right half of the full mark on your gun. I should have first ruled out the more obvious possibility -- that of a poor stamping, before suggesting less likely possibility. Below are London proofs and the mark I think shows only the right half on your gun. If this is the mark, the downside is it doesn't really help with dating the rifle.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,258 Likes: 75 |
I think your onto it.
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