proofs
As far as I know of there has been no attempt to establish a national proof house in the US. Just a guess but I wonder if it has anything to do with an inherent distrust of government control of firearms.
Many if not most US makers had their own proofing processes and proprietary marks.
Proofing standards have changed several time over the years and alterations such as barrel honing may have occurred. Original proof marks on a gun are no more an assurance of safety than an out of date inspection sticker on an old car.
In my opinion any old gun regardless of original proofs should be looked at by someone who has the ability and experience to judge each piece on its own merits.
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"If there is a heaven it must have thinning aspen gold, and flighting woodcock, and a bird dog" GBE
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