|
From A History of Proof Marks, Gun Proof in Belgium, Lee Kennett, Gun Digest 1978:
Belgian for sure, the "ELG" is the giveaway, they used it for various proofs with and without crown for many years.
"Damas-anglais" is English Damascus. But surely made in Belgium to the plain English twist pattern.
"Crown-T" is an inspectors mark used 1853-1877, letters may vary.
"17.0" is the bore diameter in millimeters.
The "curleycues" MAY be the post-1852 provisonal proof mark
"R" is the rework mark, the barrel(s) failed proof and were returned to the maker for repair.
The "trumpet" MAY be the Perron mark used for breech inspection after 1853.
The article does not show any of the other marks you found. The "Crown-T" ties down the date about as close as you are likely to get.
The maker? Who knows, probably some small outfit or a guild operation with several subcontractors making shotguns for sale in the 19th century equivalent of Walmart. Don't you think a major maker would have put his name on it?
|