Quote Originally Posted by Beerhunter View Post
.............. As would anyone in the UKicon who currently holds one. If it has not be Proofed in London or Birmingham, it is not in proof.
Correct me if I am wrong but my reading of the proof act of 1868 says that it is an offence to "sell, offer for sale, transfer, export or pawn an unproofed firearm, with certain exceptions for military organisations"

It does not appear to be an offence to "receive" an un-proofed firearm.

It would appear to me that the dealer would be guilty but the recipient innocent (until such time as they came to sell it)

It is not illegal to own an unproofed firearm and it can be 'gifted' (no money changes hands / no sale has taken place)