Proof marks are applied by a national proof house after pressure testing. On UK and European auction guns they cluster on the barrel flats — the underside faces you see when the action is open.
This decoder lists marks with documented meanings and date ranges from proof-house and CIP practice.
Where to look
Side-by-side & over-under flats
Open the action and look at the underside of the barrels — the flat faces that sit against the action. Most UK and many EU proof stamps live here in a tight cluster.
Monobloc / breech
On modern O/Us guns, CIP and Italian marks often sit on the monobloc sides or under the extractors as well as on the flats.
Barrel sides & tubes
Chamber length, steel-shot fleur-de-lis, and choke stamps may appear on the outer barrel wall or on removable choke tubes.
Decode a mark
Filter by proof house or mark type, or search for what you see (BPC, NP, ELG, ST ETIENNE, Eibar, Suhl, Vienna…).
Showing 129 marks.
Birmingham (UK)
Old Birmingham definitive (BPC crossed sceptres)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1868–1925 (classic BPC die; earlier Proof Company forms from 1813)
Schematic
Looks like: Crown over crossed sceptres; letters B (left), C (right), P (bottom) in the angles
Means: Definitive black-powder proof for shotguns — Birmingham
Where: Barrel flats
From 1855–1904 this definitive mark was normally accompanied by the crowned BP provisional mark. After 1904 Birmingham switched to crowned BP / BV / NP (and later BNP).
Birmingham (UK)
Old Birmingham view (crossed sceptres + V)
View / provisional
Period: 1813–1904
Schematic
Looks like: Same crown and crossed sceptres, with V in the bottom angle instead of B-C-P
Means: Birmingham view (inspection) mark of the Proof Company era
Where: Barrel flats, typically with the BPC definitive mark
Birmingham (UK)
Birmingham crowned BP
Proof / house mark
Period: 1855 onward (role changes in 1904)
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters BP (sometimes in a scroll)
Means: Birmingham Proof House mark — provisional proof 1855–1904; from 1904 used as the Birmingham definitive proof mark
Where: Barrel flats
Do not confuse period: pre-1904 crowned BP is provisional; post-1904 crowned BP is definitive. A separate sans-serif BP die is charted for black-powder parabellum pistols.
Birmingham (UK)
Birmingham crowned BP (parabellum)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1904
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above bold sans-serif BP
Means: Black-powder proof only for parabellum pistols — Birmingham
Where: Barrels / slides on Birmingham-proved pistols
Birmingham (UK)
Birmingham crowned BV
View / provisional
Period: Since 1904
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters BV
Means: Birmingham Proof House view mark
Where: Barrel flats
Birmingham (UK)
Birmingham crowned NP
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1904 (classic crowned NP die)
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters NP; often with the words NITRO PROOF
Means: Definitive nitro proof for all guns — Birmingham
Where: Barrel flats next to BP / BV
Later Birmingham definitive proof often appears as crowned BNP. Absence of any nitro mark on an older gun usually means black-powder-era proof only.
Birmingham (UK)
Birmingham crowned BNP
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1954 (successor to crowned NP)
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters BNP
Means: Definitive nitro proof for barrel and action — Birmingham
Where: Barrel flats on mid/late-20th-century and modern Birmingham-proved guns
Birmingham (UK)
Birmingham crowned SP
Proof / house mark
Period: 1868–1925
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above plain serif SP
Means: Voluntary special black-powder proof — Birmingham
Where: Barrel flats on specially proved Birmingham arms
Birmingham (UK)
Birmingham crowned R (reproof)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1868–1925
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a plain serif R
Means: Reproof marking for black-powder rifles — Birmingham
Where: Barrel flats on Birmingham-reproved rifles
London (UK)
London crowned GP / crowned CP
Proof / house mark
Period: Chartered mark; still used by the London Proof House
Schematic
Looks like: Letters GP interlaced (cypher) surmounted by a crown — Gunmakers’ Company
Means: London Proof House definitive proof mark
Where: Barrel flats / action as required by the Rules of Proof
The G wraps the P, so this same die is often read as CP. GP under a lion (not a crown) is London provisional proof — a different mark.
London (UK)
London provisional GP (lion)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1856
Schematic
Looks like: Rampant lion standing above a script GP cypher
Means: London provisional proof for barrels
Where: Barrels / flats on London-proved arms
London (UK)
London crowned V
View / provisional
Period: Since 1670
Schematic
Looks like: Letter V surmounted by a crown
Means: London Proof House view mark
Where: Barrel flats / action with the GP definitive mark
London (UK)
London crowned SP (special)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1868–1925
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a cursive / calligraphic SP
Means: Definitive special super-power proof for parabellum pistols — London
Where: Barrels / slides on specially proved London pistols
London (UK)
London crowned R (reproof)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1868–1925
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a cursive R
Means: Reproof marking for black-powder rifles — London
Where: Barrel flats on London-reproved rifles
London (UK)
London nitro proof (NP)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1904
Schematic
Looks like: NP under a muscular arm holding a scimitar (or with a crown); often with the words NITRO PROOF
Means: London definitive nitro (smokeless-powder) proof for all guns, including parabellum pistols
Where: Barrel flats with GP / V
Other / general
Nominal gauge
Gauge & bore
Schematic
Looks like: 12, 16, 20, 28, or .410 (UK often also shows bore size at 9″ from the breech)
Means: Nominal gauge / bore size declared at proof
Where: Barrel flats
On many UK guns a plain “12” is nominal gauge; a three-digit figure such as 729 is the measured bore in thousandths of an inch.
Other / general
Measured bore (thousandths / mm)
Gauge & bore
Schematic
Looks like: Three-digit number (e.g. 729) or metric bore (e.g. 18.4)
Means: Actual bore diameter recorded at proof
Where: Barrel flats beside the gauge mark
Other / general
Chamber length (inches)
Chamber length
Schematic
Looks like: 2½", 2¾", 3", 3½" (or fractions written out)
Means: Chamber length for which the barrel was proved
Where: Flats or near the breech
CIP / Europe
Chamber length (mm)
Chamber length
Schematic
Looks like: 65, 70, 76, or 89 (often as gauge×chamber, e.g. 12-70)
Means: CIP-style chamber length in millimetres (65≈2½″, 70≈2¾″, 76≈3″, 89≈3½″)
Where: Flats / monobloc
CIP / Europe
CIP steel-shot fleur-de-lis
Steel-shot
Schematic
Looks like: Letters CIP above a fleur-de-lis
Means: High-performance steel-shot proof under CIP rules (not the same as ordinary nitro proof)
Where: Barrels and, where fitted, choke tubes marked for steel
Standard nitro proof does not equal steel-shot proof. High-performance steel is associated with this fleur-de-lis mark (and typically ≥1320 bar proof where applicable).
CIP / Europe
Proof pressure (bar)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Schematic
Looks like: Pressure figure such as 1200 bar or 1370 bar stamped at proof
Means: CIP proof-pressure rating marked on the gun
Where: Flats / monobloc on CIP-proved arms
1200 bar is a common service-pressure class mark; steel-shot / higher proofs use higher figures — read the fleur-de-lis separately.
Italian (Gardone / Brescia)
Italian PSF (Gardone)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Compulsory Italian proof from 1923; star-over-PSF common from 1951
Schematic
Looks like: PSF (Polvere Senza Fumo — smokeless powder), often with a star after 1950; earlier dies used a crown
Means: Italian definitive smokeless-powder proof (Banco Nazionale di Prova, Gardone Val Trompia)
Where: Barrels / monobloc with other Gardone marks
Italian (Gardone / Brescia)
Italian proof date code
Date / year codes
Schematic
Looks like: Boxed Roman numerals (to 1974), two-letter codes (from 1975, e.g. BU = 2004), or from June 2020 the two-digit year (20, 21…)
Means: Year of proof at Gardone / Brescia
Where: Near Italian proof stamps on flats / monobloc (not the serial number)
Use the Beretta Age Lookup for letter/Roman charts. From 1 June 2020 Gardone uses the last two digits of the year in a rectangle.
Italian (Gardone / Brescia)
Brescia provisional (lion shield)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1951
Schematic
Looks like: Shield with a rampant lion / figure, star in a wreath above
Means: Provisional proof for all guns — Brescia
Where: Barrels on Brescia-proved arms
Italian (Gardone / Brescia)
Gardone provisional (star shield)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1951
Schematic
Looks like: Shield with a star and crossed devices; letters V and T beside a star above
Means: Provisional proof for all guns — Gardone
Where: Barrels on Gardone-proved arms
Italian (Gardone / Brescia)
Italian PSF FINITO
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1951
Schematic
Looks like: Two starred circles; PSF under the left, FINITO under the right
Means: Finish proof for firearms ready for sale — Gardone and Brescia
Where: Barrels / monobloc on sale-ready Italian arms
Italian (Gardone / Brescia)
Italian PN (black powder)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1951
Schematic
Looks like: Star in a circle above the letters PN
Means: First black-powder proof — Gardone and Brescia
Where: Barrels on Italian black-powder-proved arms
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar circled P (provisional)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1910
Schematic
Looks like: Circle containing a crown over a script P
Means: Provisional black-powder proof for shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar-proved shotguns
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar crown over EX
View / provisional
Period: Since 1910
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters EX
Means: Temporary black-powder proof for shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar-proved shotguns
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar crown over NF
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1910
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters NF
Means: Final black-powder proof for breech-loading shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar black-powder breechloaders
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar crown over BV
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1910
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters BV
Means: Final smokeless-powder proof for breech-loading shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar smokeless breechloaders
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar crown over SCH
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1910
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters SCH
Means: Reinforced smokeless-powder proof for breech-loading shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar reinforced-smokeless shotguns
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar multi-pointed star
View / provisional
Period: Since 1910
Schematic
Looks like: Solid multi-pointed star / burst
Means: Provisional proof for shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar-proved shotguns
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar star over crescent PC
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1910
Schematic
Looks like: Five-pointed star above a crescent containing PC
Means: Final black-powder proof for breech-loading shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar black-powder breechloaders
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar six circles
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1923
Schematic
Looks like: Six outlined circles stacked in a pyramid
Means: Final and single black-powder proof for double-barreled muzzle-loading shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar muzzle-loading doubles
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar crossed guns
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1923
Schematic
Looks like: Two long guns crossed in an X
Means: Final and single black-powder proof for single-barrel smoothbore breechloaders — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar single-barrel smoothbores
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar bomb 2
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1923
Schematic
Looks like: Round bomb or flask outline with the figure 2
Means: Final black-powder proof for double-barreled breech-loading rifles — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar double rifles
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar bomb 1
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1923
Schematic
Looks like: Round bomb or flask outline with the figure 1
Means: Final black-powder proof for single-barrel breech-loading rifles — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar single rifles
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar letter E
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1923
Schematic
Looks like: Large capital letter E
Means: Reinforced voluntary proof for single- and double-barrel shotguns — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar shotguns with voluntary reinforced proof
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar lion and castle
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1923
Schematic
Looks like: Shield parted with a lion and a castle
Means: Final proof for military-style rifles — Eibar
Where: Barrels on Eibar military-style rifles
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar three crosses
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1923
Schematic
Looks like: Shield with three cross or X devices, two over one
Means: Single and final proof for non-self-loading pistols — Eibar
Where: Frames or barrels on Eibar pistols
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar rampant lion
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1923
Schematic
Looks like: Lion standing on its hind legs, facing left
Means: Single and final proof for self-loading pistols and revolvers — Eibar
Where: Frames or barrels on Eibar self-loaders and revolvers
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar crowned X shield
View / provisional
Period: Since 1929
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a shield with a saltire / crossed devices
Means: Admission proof for guns carrying older marks — Eibar
Where: Guns submitted with earlier proof marks
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar Barcelona lozenge
View / provisional
Period: Since 1929
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a lozenge filled with a cross or lattice
Means: Barcelona proof for guns carrying older marks — Eibar
Where: Guns proved at Barcelona with earlier marks
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar crowned R
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1929
Schematic
Looks like: Small crown or bomb neck above a circle containing R
Means: Final proof for revolvers — Eibar
Where: Frames or barrels on Eibar revolvers
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar bomb P
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1929
Schematic
Looks like: Round bomb outline with the letter P
Means: Proof for semiautomatic pistols — Eibar
Where: Frames or barrels on Eibar semiautomatic pistols
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar crown over FE
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1929
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters FE
Means: Special manufacturer's mark for guns made for foreign sale — Eibar
Where: Eibar guns intended for export
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar AXIII shield
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1929
Schematic
Looks like: Shield lettered AXIII with a small oval beneath
Means: Smokeless proof for shotgun barrels — Eibar
Where: Shotgun barrels
Spanish (Eibar)
Eibar CH banner
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1929
Schematic
Looks like: Hanging banner or scroll lettered CH
Means: Reinforced smokeless proof for shotgun barrels — Eibar
Where: Shotgun barrels with reinforced smokeless proof
Belgian (Liège)
Liège EL script (provisional)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1852
Schematic
Looks like: Ornate script EL monogram
Means: Provisional black-powder proof for breech-loading guns and rifled barrels — Liège
Where: Barrels / flats on Liège-proved arms
Belgian (Liège)
Liège crowned ELG (double proof)
Proof / house mark
Schematic
Looks like: Crown over a vertical ELG-style monogram
Means: Double-proof marking for unfurnished barrels — Liège
Where: Unfinished / in-the-white barrels at Liège
Belgian (Liège)
Liège triple-proof provisional
View / provisional
Schematic
Looks like: Crown over crossed sceptres / torches with letters in the angles
Means: Triple-proof provisional marking for unfurnished barrels — Liège
Where: Unfinished barrels at Liège
Belgian (Liège)
Liège ELG* oval
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1893 (crowned ELG* form)
Schematic
Looks like: Crown over an oval with E / L.G and a star (*) at the bottom
Means: Definitive black-powder proof for breech-loading guns, small-bores, and handguns — Liège
Where: Barrel flats / cylinders on Belgian-proved arms
ELG* is the core Liège definitive mark. Other Belgian stamps (inspectors’ letters, nitro / PV) appear beside it.
Belgian (Liège)
Liège perron
View / provisional
Period: Since 1853
Schematic
Looks like: Perron (column on a stepped base) — symbol of Liège
Means: View stamp and inspectors’ mark (“Perron”) — Liège
Where: Near ELG* and other Liège stamps
Historic use of the perron changed over the 19th–20th centuries; treat it as a Liège companion mark and always look for ELG*.
Belgian (Liège)
Liège PV (nitro)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1898–1968 (lion form); related PV marks continue later
Schematic
Looks like: Rampant lion above the letters P.V
Means: Smokeless-powder / nitro proof for rifled barrels and parabellum pistols — Liège
Where: Near ELG* on nitro-proved Belgian barrels / pistols
Belgian (Liège)
Liège crowned R
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1852
Schematic
Looks like: Letter R with a crown (rifled-arms mark)
Means: Rifled-arms smokeless proof for parabellum pistols — Liège
Where: Near ELG* on rifled / pistol barrels
Belgian (Liège)
Liège crowned PV (superior nitro)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters PV
Means: Superior nitro proof — Liège
Where: Near ELG* on higher nitro-proved Belgian arms
Belgian (Liège)
Liège ELG* oval (early)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1811–1892
Schematic
Looks like: Letters E / L.G over a star in a vertical oval (uncrowned)
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Liège
Where: Barrel flats on 19th-century Liège-proved rifles
Belgian (Liège)
Liège double-E script
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897–1923
Schematic
Looks like: Pair of mirrored ornate script E monograms
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Liège
Where: Barrel flats on Liège-proved rifles of the period
Belgian (Liège)
Liège EC / SCH (smokeless)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1891–1968
Schematic
Looks like: Two rampant lions — one over EC, one over SCH (type EC)
Means: Type EC smokeless-powder proof for rifles — Liège
Where: Near ELG* on smokeless-proved Belgian rifles
Belgian (Liège)
Liège PT (smokeless)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1898–1968
Schematic
Looks like: Rampant lion above the letters P.T.
Means: Type Pt smokeless-powder proof for rifles — Liège
Where: Near ELG* on smokeless-proved Belgian rifles
Belgian (Liège)
Liège PV oval (post-1968)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1968
Schematic
Looks like: Crown over a vertical oval with P and V flanking a central needle / arrow symbol
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for rifles — Liège
Where: Near ELG* on modern Liège-proved rifles
Austrian
Vienna provisional (script)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1891
Schematic
Looks like: Ornate script monogram (Vienna provisional die)
Means: Provisional proof for multi-barrel guns — Vienna
Where: Barrels / flats on Austrian-proved multi-barrel arms
Austrian
Ferlach provisional (script)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1891
Schematic
Looks like: Ornate script monogram (Ferlach provisional die)
Means: Provisional proof for multi-barrel guns — Ferlach
Where: Barrels / flats on Ferlach-proved multi-barrel arms
Austrian
Prague provisional (script)
View / provisional
Period: 1892–1918
Schematic
Looks like: Ornate script monogram (Prague provisional die)
Means: Provisional proof for rifles — Prague
Where: Barrels on Prague-proved rifles of the period
Austrian
Ferlach black-powder eagle (1)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1892–1918
Schematic
Looks like: Crowned double-headed eagle with shield numeral 1 on the breast
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Ferlach
Where: Barrel flats / action area
Austro-Hungarian eagle house numbers: 1 Ferlach, 2 Prague, 3 Weipert, 4 Vienna.
Austrian
Prague black-powder eagle (2)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1892–1918
Schematic
Looks like: Crowned double-headed eagle with shield numeral 2 on the breast
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Prague
Where: Barrel flats / action area
Austrian
Weipert black-powder eagle (3)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1892–1918
Schematic
Looks like: Crowned double-headed eagle with shield numeral 3 on the breast
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Weipert
Where: Barrel flats / action area
Austrian
Vienna black-powder eagle (4)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1892–1918
Schematic
Looks like: Crowned double-headed eagle with shield numeral 4 on the breast
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Vienna
Where: Barrel flats / action area
Austrian
Ferlach black-powder eagle (republic)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1918–1938
Schematic
Looks like: Single-headed eagle with shield numeral 1 (post-empire style)
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Ferlach
Where: Barrel flats / action area
Austrian
Vienna black-powder eagle (republic)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1918–1938
Schematic
Looks like: Single-headed eagle with shield numeral 2 (post-empire style)
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Vienna
Where: Barrel flats / action area
Austrian
Ferlach black-powder eagle (1938–1940)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1938–1940
Schematic
Looks like: Eagle with shield numeral 1 on the breast
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Ferlach
Where: Barrel flats / action area
Austrian
Vienna black-powder eagle (1938–1940)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1938–1940
Schematic
Looks like: Eagle with shield numeral 2 on the breast
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — Vienna
Where: Barrel flats / action area
Austrian
Vienna black-powder eagle (post-1945)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1945
Schematic
Looks like: Modern angular eagle with shield numeral 2, standing on a baseline
Means: Black-powder proof for multi-barrel guns — Vienna
Where: Barrel flats on post-war Austrian multi-barrel arms
Austrian
Ferlach black-powder eagle (post-1945)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1945
Schematic
Looks like: Modern angular eagle with shield numeral 1, standing on a baseline
Means: Black-powder proof for multi-barrel guns — Ferlach
Where: Barrel flats on post-war Ferlach multi-barrel arms
Austrian
Bundesheer preliminary (eagle + BH)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1891
Schematic
Looks like: Crowned double-headed eagle followed by the letters BH
Means: Preliminary proof for multi-barrel guns — Bundesheer
Where: Barrels / flats on Bundesheer-related multi-barrel arms
Chart label is Bundesheer (BH), not a civilian proof-house name.
Austrian
Budapest NP (smokeless)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1891–1928
Schematic
Looks like: Large N with stacked P over B
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for parabellum pistols — Budapest
Where: Barrels / slides on Austro-Hungarian parabellum pistols
House letter under the P: B Budapest, F/P Ferlach, V Vienna, W Weipert.
Austrian
Ferlach NP (smokeless, modern)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1981
Schematic
Looks like: Large N with stacked P over F
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for parabellum pistols — Ferlach
Where: Barrels / slides on Ferlach-proved pistols
Austrian
Ferlach NP (smokeless, historic)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1891–1931
Schematic
Looks like: Large N with stacked P over P
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for parabellum pistols — Ferlach
Where: Barrels / slides on Ferlach-proved pistols
Austrian
Vienna NP (smokeless)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1891
Schematic
Looks like: Large N with stacked P over V
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for parabellum pistols — Vienna
Where: Barrels / slides on Vienna-proved pistols
Austrian
Weipert NP (smokeless)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1891–1931
Schematic
Looks like: Large N with stacked P over W
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for parabellum pistols — Weipert
Where: Barrels / slides on Weipert-proved pistols
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
Paris provisional (script)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Ornate script flourish / interlaced monogram (Paris provisional)
Means: Provisional proof for unfinished short-barreled guns — Paris
Where: Barrels on unfinished Paris-proved short arms
French charts pair Paris and St-Étienne dies for the same proof class.
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne provisional (mural crown)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Crenellated mural / castle-tower crown
Means: Provisional proof for unfinished short-barreled guns — St-Étienne
Where: Barrels on unfinished St-Étienne-proved short arms
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
Paris EP oval
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Letters EP inside a thin vertical oval
Means: Standard proof for finished guns — Paris
Where: Barrel flats / monobloc on Paris-proved finished arms
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne palm + ST ETIENNE
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Crossed palm / sunburst mark with a small crown, followed by ST ETIENNE
Means: Standard proof for finished guns — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats / monobloc on St-Étienne-proved finished arms
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
Paris double EP
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Two EP ovals side by side
Means: Double proof for finished and joined barrels — Paris
Where: Joined / double barrels on Paris-proved guns
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne double palm
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Two palm / sunburst marks side by side, followed by ST ETIENNE
Means: Double proof for finished and joined barrels — St-Étienne
Where: Joined / double barrels on St-Étienne-proved guns
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
Paris EP + N.A.
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: EP oval followed by the letters N.A.
Means: Single-barrel proof for non-assembled guns — Paris
Where: Single barrels proved before assembly — Paris
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne N.A. ST ETIENNE
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Palm / sunburst mark followed by N.A. ST ETIENNE
Means: Single-barrel proof for non-assembled guns — St-Étienne
Where: Single barrels proved before assembly — St-Étienne
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
Paris crowned ship crest
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Crowned shield bearing a sailing ship
Means: Finished black-powder guns — Paris
Where: Barrel flats on Paris-proved black-powder arms
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne crowned F (1897)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a serif letter F
Means: Finished black-powder guns — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved black-powder arms
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne crowned F (post-1962)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1962
Schematic
Looks like: Sharper-pointed crown above a serif letter F
Means: Black-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne crowned S
Proof / house mark
Period: 1926–1962
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a serif letter S
Means: Final black-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne crowned R
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1962
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a serif letter R
Means: Final smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne crowned PT
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1900
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letters PT
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne double-crowned PT
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1900
Schematic
Looks like: Two crowns stacked above the letters PT
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
Chart shows single- and double-crown PT dies for the same proof class.
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne star PJ
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1896–1926
Schematic
Looks like: Outlined five-pointed star above the letters PJ
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne star PS
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1896–1926
Schematic
Looks like: Outlined five-pointed star above the letters PS
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne star PM
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1896–1926
Schematic
Looks like: Outlined five-pointed star above the letters PM
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne star PT
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1900–1972
Schematic
Looks like: Outlined five-pointed star above the letters PT
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne double-star P.T
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1926–1972
Schematic
Looks like: Two outlined stars side by side above P.T
Means: Smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne star PT over R
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1962–1972
Schematic
Looks like: Outlined star above PT, with letter R below
Means: Final smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne double-crowned R
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1982
Schematic
Looks like: Two crowns stacked above a serif letter R
Means: Final smokeless-powder proof for rifles — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved rifles
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
Paris double ship crest
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Two crowned Paris ship shields side by side
Means: Special proof for finished guns — Paris
Where: Barrel flats on Paris-proved finished arms
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne crowned S (special)
Proof / house mark
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above a serif letter S
Means: Special proof for finished guns — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved finished arms
Distinct from the later crowned-S rifle black-powder die (1926–1962).
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
Paris star
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Large outlined five-pointed star
Means: Ordinary smokeless-powder proof — Paris
Where: Barrel flats on Paris-proved smokeless arms
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne crossed lightning
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Two jagged crossed bolts / double-headed arrows with a center dot
Means: Ordinary smokeless-powder proof — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved smokeless arms
French (Paris / St-Étienne)
St-Étienne crowned AR
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1897
Schematic
Looks like: Crown over the letters AR (often with ST. ETIENNE nearby)
Means: Superior smokeless-powder proof — St-Étienne
Where: Barrel flats on St-Étienne-proved superior-smokeless arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Ulm house (stag antler)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1952
Schematic
Looks like: Vertical stag antler / horn with multiple tines
Means: Proof-house identity mark — Ulm
Where: Barrel flats with other Ulm eagle proof stamps
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Hannover house (rearing horse)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1968
Schematic
Looks like: Silhouette of a rearing / rampant horse facing left
Means: Proof-house identity mark — Hannover
Where: Barrel flats on Hannover-proved arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Kiel house (oak / starburst leaf)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1968
Schematic
Looks like: Symmetrical jagged oak-leaf / multi-pointed vertical emblem
Means: Proof-house identity mark — Kiel (West German)
Where: Barrel flats on Kiel-proved arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Munich house (lozenge shield)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1968
Schematic
Looks like: Heater shield filled with a Bavarian lozenge / diamond lattice
Means: Proof-house identity mark — Munich
Where: Barrel flats on Munich-proved arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Cologne house (three crowns)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1968
Schematic
Looks like: Heater shield with three crowns arranged two-over-one
Means: Proof-house identity mark — Cologne (West German)
Where: Barrel flats on Cologne-proved arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Berlin house (bear)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1968
Schematic
Looks like: Standing / rampant bear silhouette facing left
Means: Proof-house identity mark — Berlin (West German)
Where: Barrel flats on Berlin-proved arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Ulm eagle FB (voluntary)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1952
Schematic
Looks like: Stylized eagle with wings down; letters FB below
Means: Voluntary proof for handguns and long guns — Ulm
Where: Barrel flats / major parts on Ulm-proved arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Ulm eagle J (repair)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1952
Schematic
Looks like: Stylized eagle with wings down; letter J below
Means: Repair proof for major gun parts — Ulm
Where: Replaced barrels, bolts, and other major parts
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Ulm eagle M (provisional black powder)
View / provisional
Period: Since 1952
Schematic
Looks like: Stylized eagle with wings down; letter M below
Means: Provisional black-powder proof for shotguns and multi-barreled rifles — Ulm
Where: Barrel flats during provisional proof
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Ulm eagle N (nitro)
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1952
Schematic
Looks like: Stylized eagle with wings down; letter N below
Means: Definitive nitro / smokeless proof for all guns — Ulm
Where: Barrel flats on nitro-proved Ulm arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Ulm eagle SP (black powder definitive)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1952
Schematic
Looks like: Stylized eagle with wings down; letters SP below
Means: Definitive black-powder proof for guns intended for smokeless ammunition — Ulm
Where: Barrel flats on Ulm black-powder / SP-class arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Ulm eagle (Flobert / special purpose)
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1952
Schematic
Looks like: Stylized eagle with wings down; no letter below
Means: Flobert / special-purpose proof for signal, flare, gas, and stun guns — Ulm
Where: Barrels / frames on Flobert and special-purpose arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Suhl N over crossed hammers
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1945
Schematic
Looks like: Letter N above a shield with crossed hammer and pick / tools
Means: Smokeless-powder proof — East German Suhl
Where: Barrel flats on Suhl-proved East German arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Suhl crown over G
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1950
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letter G
Means: First black-powder proof for rifled barrels — East German Suhl
Where: Rifled barrels on Suhl-proved arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Suhl crown over N
Nitro / smokeless proof
Period: Since 1950
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letter N
Means: Nitro / smokeless-powder proof — East German Suhl
Where: Barrel flats on Suhl-proved nitro arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Suhl crown over R
View / provisional
Period: Since 1950
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letter R
Means: Repair proof — East German Suhl
Where: Replaced barrels and major parts
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Suhl crown over S
Proof / house mark
Period: Since 1950
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letter S
Means: First black-powder proof for smooth-bored barrels — East German Suhl
Where: Smoothbore barrels on Suhl-proved arms
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Suhl crown over U
View / provisional
Period: Since 1950
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letter U
Means: Inspection mark — East German Suhl
Where: Barrels / major parts after inspection
German (Ulm / Suhl / …)
Suhl crown over W
Gauge & bore
Period: Since 1950
Schematic
Looks like: Crown above the letter W
Means: Choke-bore barrel mark — East German Suhl
Where: Choked shotgun barrels
Other / general
NOT FOR BALL
Warnings & limits
Schematic
Looks like: The words NOT FOR BALL stamped on the barrel
Means: Barrel not intended for round-ball / solid projectile use in that proof context
Where: Barrel flats or side
Other / general
Choke stamps near proof marks
Gauge & bore
Schematic
Looks like: FULL, MOD, IC, CHOKE, stars, or metric choke figures
Means: Fixed-choke designation — separate from proof-house identity
Where: Flats or near the muzzle
See the Choke Markings guide for Beretta stars and Browning Invector notches.
Field tips
- Nitro proof is not steel-shot proof. High-performance steel needs the CIP fleur-de-lis (and often STEEL SHOT wording on UK guns).
- Birmingham crowned BP changed role in 1904 (provisional → definitive). Read neighbouring dates/marks.
- Italian date boxes are Gardone/Brescia year codes — not Birmingham or London year stamps. Use Age Lookup for the letter chart.
Italian date boxes? Use the Beretta age lookup. Choke stars or tube notches? See the choke markings guide.