This H&H video makes it clear that barrels were not blacked until the entire gun was finished and test fired. It was then taken apart and engraved. On the H&H it also appears that barrels may have proofed before blacking (stamps are on the water table as it is finished).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUXoNUzAyvk



1951 film on proof testing Birmingham guns....whether barrels are blacked before being proofed is not quite clear - black and white film
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3aHnxsj7y8



But this video show a proofing process on the gun as it is fully ready for sale, barrels blacked, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q42lZqH-60



Whatever, this is mentioned just to reinforce my opinion that the address on the rib of J.C. Reilly SN 5512 was original, possibly dating it to 1847-48).

Last edited by Argo44; 07/22/19 12:14 PM.
Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch