German single barrel shot gun proof markings

coldash

October 16, 2012 06:48

I have a wonderful single barrel german? belgium? 410 shotgun with proof marking crown B and crown U with powder proofs 2gr NGP and 12 gr Bl. the trigger guard has 14 stamped on it. Can some please help me to identify this little beauty? It is case hardened. I can send pictures upon request. Thanks! David

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  rufe-snow

  October 16, 2012 08:00

  The proofs are German, dating prior to the 1920's. The more expensive higher quality ones had either maker or retailers markings. Sight unseen it's probably what is known in the fatherland as a garden gun.
  
  Many hunting/sporting firearms were brought back to the US by our GI's as souvenirs after the end of the war in 45. Given the age of your shotgun that's probably how it got here.
  
  On are first page is a "STICKY" with instructions for posting photos.
  
  EDIT #1, The 44 in a circle might denote it's chambered for the 44XL shell. Which is a early 1900's predecessor of the 410.
  
  Since it might have been rechambered for the 410, likely the only way you could know for sure is to measure the bore diameter. It should measure between .420 & .430, which is .030 greater then the 410.
  
  EDIT #2, If there isn't either a gunsmiths or retailers name on it? Chances are it's just a mass produced "Garden Gun", dating to the early 20th Century time frame. Probably somewhat higher in quality then the 9mm Flobert "Garden Guns".

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  coldash

  October 17, 2012 11:37

  here are the proofs
  crown Crown
  B S
  Crown
  U
  44 with a cirle all around it,next to the crown with the U under it
  78.41
  10.07
  15
  
  Also on the outside of the barrel are two proofs:
  2 gr N.G.P
  12gr B.I.
  
  If some one can direct me to the meaning of these marks and caliber?
  
  I think it was made in Oct 1907 and is a 410 shot gun. Thanks

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  hrf

  October 17, 2012 13:19

  http://www.germanguns.com/technical.html

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  coldash

  October 17, 2012 19:57

  Thanks Rufe, also you may know> International Ammunition Association: collecting 410 shotshells and boxes by Ronald W Stadt had info along the line you mentioned 44xl. Goes into the history of the 410, ect. Getting closer, but still would like to know who made it. Some place in Suhl Germany 10/1907. ?

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  coldash

  October 17, 2012 19:59

  quote:Originally posted by hrf
  http://www.germanguns.com/technical.html
  
  
  Thanks I've seen this and is one of the better info centers Thanks

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