Very interesting marks. In 1885 Parliament cancelled obligatory proof in France and I think obligatory proof wasn't passed back into law until 1960, becoming effective in 1962. So I would say most of the stamps are advertising or an attempt to persuade a hunter or shooter that this longarm will pass the test of time, but a very interesting fire breathing dragon on an arrow. At 18.4mm it would be a 12 bore. Also sideplate engraved boxlock. I wonder what the "Crown" over "V"s are?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Last edited by ellenbr; 01/30/09 09:16 PM.