Proofing the barrel of
a gun began as a means to insure its safety and integrity.
Proof Houses were established by law in almost every country
and it was required that weapons sold within the respective
country, and for exports be able to withstand a proscribed
load without damage. When this test was successful the weapon
was stamped with a seal to acknowledge the test - which is
called as Proof Marks. These marks then tell us the
country of origin of the weapon. Proof Marks, or Proofs as
they are sometimes referred to, changed over time and therefore
assist in dating arms. Below are the sample of Proof Marks
which different countries use:-
