BM (Birmingham Military) proof

[englishman_ca]

I am having a brain freeze on this one. Straighten me out if I am wrong on this one.

A military proof is not accepted for the sale of that arm on the British market.

Some military pattern arms, for example, Sht.LE Mk.III made by BSA were made commercially available to the public. These rifles carry a set of proof marks that includes a crowned BM.

This class of proof is found only on commercial military pattern arms and surplus ex-service arms and is accepted as a civilian proof for sale on the British market. So crown BM is in effect a civilian proof mark denoting a military spec arm.

Previous to this, in addition to its gun proofs, for a fee of one shilling and sixpence, a commercial arm could have a number of record and a factory inspector stamp applied certifying that the rifle met the standard for use in service rifle competition.

A commercial pattern rifle that was marked with the crown BM set of proofs was allowed to be used in service rifle competition?

So two questions that are for my own confirmation;-
Rifles with these crown BM proofs were tested at the Birmingham Proof House.
Rifles with standard military proofs were tested right at the factory.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Badger]

I know the look and type of stamps for proof mark houses changed over the years.

Here's an old pic which may help somewhat?

Attachment 79619
(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Doug

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[mrclark303]

That's a very useful chart you have there Doug, many thanks for sharing.

[Badger]

Although it wasn't a great original to start with, I enlarged the original pic so one can see the stamps and small type better ...

Make sure you read the note about sizing the pic even larger when the pop-up window is open...

Admittedly, it's a little fuzzy when blown up, but still usable...

Regards,
Doug

[Simon P]

I have spoken to both London & Birmingham Proof Houses about 4 years ago and both stated clearly the they do not recognise the BM proof mark to be valid today and that the rifle should be re-proofed.

I had a Westley Ricahrds Lee Speed sporting rifle & this was not a conversion, this had the BM proof Mark.

Its a bit similar to the 19T proof marks on the Envoys & Enforcers, they were done at the Enfield Factory are they valid or not, Birmingham said no London wouldn't commit.

[Peter Laidler]

There has alkways been a bit of controversy as to whethetr the BM proof mark is BIRMINGHAM MILITARY and I seem to remember this was raised - and disputed - several years ago. As for the proof houses saying that they do not recognise the BM mark and suggesting that any weapon be re-proofed........... Well, they would wouldn't they? They're a commercial monopoly!

[mrclark303]

Some might say a Cartel Peter! How can it be, when we have the Monopolies and Mergers commission, yet Proof houses are clearly a Monopoly, but no one in officialdom sees an issue with it!?!