Need help identifying Proofmarks

Zadak · May 29, 2009, 02:58 PM

I recently acquired this flintlock pistol from a friend and we are trying to identify its origin. It appears to be from the early to mid 1800's based on my research and is stamped with some proof marks on the barrel that I am having trouble identifying. The markings are GR under a crown with a crows feet marking below them facing away. I've included pics of the gun and the markings. The underside of the barrel was also marked with WG and a 7.

If anyone can help identify it I would greatly appreciate it!

Jim Watson · May 29, 2009, 04:12 PM

The "crows feet" sure look like British broad arrows, in which case it is British military.

Hawg · May 29, 2009, 05:01 PM

It appears to be a British .69 Tower smoothbore but I can't match the crown and CR proof.

James K · May 29, 2009, 06:37 PM

It is odd that the barrel indicates British military, but there is no maker or date on the lockplate. Also, the barrel looks much older than the lock, very common in an era when guns were expensive and it was common to cannibalize old or broken guns to produce serviceable weapons. I am no expert, but I wonder if it is not a British military barrel with a stock and lock made in America.

I doubt it is as late as mid-1800's as it would almost certainly have a double neck cock by that time. I suspect around 1798-1805 would be closer, but if it is indeed an assembled gun, it will be hard to date.

Are there any top museums in your area? I think it might be productive to let some real expert look at it.

Jim

Scorch · May 29, 2009, 06:41 PM

GR might be George III, King of England at the time of the American Revolution, or George IV, King of England after 1840.

James K · May 29, 2009, 06:43 PM

Or George III.

Jim

RJay · May 30, 2009, 02:35 PM

Or George Rex

May 29, 2009, 06:41 PM	#5
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	GR might be George III, King of England at the time of the American Revolution, or George IV, King of England after 1840. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

May 29, 2009, 04:12 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,542	The "crows feet" sure look like British broad arrows, in which case it is British military.

May 29, 2009, 05:01 PM	#3
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,189	It appears to be a British .69 Tower smoothbore but I can't match the crown and CR proof.

May 29, 2009, 06:37 PM	#4
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	It is odd that the barrel indicates British military, but there is no maker or date on the lockplate. Also, the barrel looks much older than the lock, very common in an era when guns were expensive and it was common to cannibalize old or broken guns to produce serviceable weapons. I am no expert, but I wonder if it is not a British military barrel with a stock and lock made in America. I doubt it is as late as mid-1800's as it would almost certainly have a double neck cock by that time. I suspect around 1798-1805 would be closer, but if it is indeed an assembled gun, it will be hard to date. Are there any top museums in your area? I think it might be productive to let some real expert look at it. Jim

May 29, 2009, 06:43 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Or George III. Jim

May 30, 2009, 02:35 PM	#7
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	Or George Rex