The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Need help with info on old muzzle loading rifle?

Scorch · November 4, 2009, 02:46 AM

I would say 1835 is a serial number. Marking export products for country of origin only became common after WWI, and only required after WWII. I have seen many, many Belgian-made shotguns and rifles made during the late 1800s-early 1900s that have no marks on them save the proofs to tell you where the gun originated. Flintlocks were more common in America than Europe, but in Europe were more common on military weapons, which this one does not appear to be. The roll-mark for country of origin and the crude number stamp makes me think this is a post-1960s firearm for the American market.

November 4, 2009, 02:46 AM	#14
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I would say 1835 is a serial number. Marking export products for country of origin only became common after WWI, and only required after WWII. I have seen many, many Belgian-made shotguns and rifles made during the late 1800s-early 1900s that have no marks on them save the proofs to tell you where the gun originated. Flintlocks were more common in America than Europe, but in Europe were more common on military weapons, which this one does not appear to be. The roll-mark for country of origin and the crude number stamp makes me think this is a post-1960s firearm for the American market. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services