Cross pennant marking on Bren breech block

[Flying10uk]

One of my de-ac Brens, a MK3, has a cross pennant/flag marking electro-pencilled to the top of the breech block. I take this to be an ownership or inspection mark. Would it be a Naval or maritime marking and has any-one seen it before or know it's significance? Thanks for any info.

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[Peter Laidler]

I confess to having seen that mark about a zillion times Fleiger...... It's the UK Military proof mark!

[Flying10uk]

When was the mark used/current, please, peter?

[Peter Laidler]

That cross flags (I think it is actually 2x crossed lances) has been used since pontius was a pilot! The last proof mark I ever recall seeing on L4 breech blocks were the words RSAF etched on in a square format topped with a crown

[tankhunter]

Totally agree with Peter. The 'Standard' UK Military Proof marking. Observed by all Armourers. Peter underestimates his statement of seeing this mark a Zillion times.

It is more like Twenty Zillion times for Us! As it was part of the procedure in ANY inspection, to view Proof Marks. On any Barrel, Reciever & Bolt/ Breech Block. On
ALL in Service Small Arms. This was stated in Inspection Standards. As a 'Safety' procedure, to ensure. That High pressure Components had Been Proof Tested.

Military Proof is of a much higher standard than Civilian. In that Civy Proof generaly involves one Proof round to be fired. Military Proof, TWO rounds are fired.
One Dry (Standard Proof) & one 'Wet' (Oiled) The reason oil was used, was that it increased pressure on the pressure bearing parts, during Proofing.

Basicaly, a Proof round is one & a half times MORE Breech Pressure than a 'Standard' Round. The thinking behind this standard is: If it will withstand the pressure of a Proof round. it will easily handle any off the shelf available Ammo. Does not quite take into account an incorrectly hand reloaded private/Civilian Round situation!
But you will understand, the need for a baseline safety starting point!

[browningautorifle]

I remember clearly seeing this marking the odd time myself in Canada on breech blocks for FN...electro penciled on...

[Sentryduty]

I remember clearly seeing this marking the odd time myself in Canada on breech blocks for FN...electro penciled on...

This jogs something in my memory, I think I may have seen this marking in the same fashion on some barrels of issued Browning Hi Power Pistols.

[browningautorifle]

issued Browning Hi Power Pistols.

That would be correct...specially the older ones, we still had a few around slotted for the stock. Some had been filled with weld. Some not. No tangent sights though.

[Vincent]

Thought I would post a picture so people can see it.

[Vincent]

I like the tangent sights.