British proofed 3-42 on GB

[Joe W]

Yes. The "private view mark", and view mark are two different markings. The view mark was used on both the 1904-1925 and the 1925-1955 proofs. The 1925 - 1955 London Proof House used crown over a circled V, and Birmingham used a crown over a circled BV. The 1955 proof marks were simplified somewhat, but added the caliber and proofing pressure. The 1955 proof law reduced the barrel markings from proof mark, view mark, and nitro proof to the nitro proof and caliber/proofing pressure marking.

As I read Scott Duffs article "Garands in the Kings Service" American Rifleman, Apr. 2002, Duff shows a drawing of the "crossed swords, scepters or whatever, with an "F", "B" and a number 1. He describes these markings stating that they indicate the rifle" was "VIEWED" during the year 1955 by the Chief Inspector. Duff further states that year code starts with the letter "A" in 1950 and progresses (letter I omitted) to "z" in 1974. The letters begin again with "A" in 1975, but the crossed swords framework was changed to a segmented circle." He writes about this marking under the heading "Private View Mark".
Based on Duffs writting it appeared to me, and I always thought, that the use of the crossed swords, date code and inspectors mark was still being used at least into the 1970's, under the proof laws of 1955 and this marking is referred to as either the "Private View Mark" or just the "view mark". Am I misreading something and the "view mark" and/or "Private View Mark" is something else entirly ??? If so, could you explain to me just what a "Private View Mark" is and how it differs from the "View mark". Thanks

By the way, the rifle that was the subject of this post ended up selling for $ 1300.00 to the single bidder.