Help with Muzzle loader proof mark and pistol info

[fishhead]

Can anyone identify this proof mark? Or any guesses on age and who made it? It's on the underside of the barrel and the only mark on the gun. I haven't removed the lock yet to inspect the backside. It looks similar to ones I found online labeled "Austrian-Hungarian-Tshechoslovokian" but none of those match. Thanks in advance

[mike ford]

fishhead,
I don't think this is a proofmark "per se", rather, I think it is the "hallmark" of whoever made the pistol. As a hallmark, I don't recognize it either, but other members may. Sorry.
Mike

[fishhead]

Thanks Mike, you're probably right on it not being a proof mark.
Here's the link to what I found: http://forums.nitroexpress.com/print...6798&type=post
It look like the style of the marks are similar to the one on my pistol.

[mike ford]

fishhead,
The marks shown in the link are the well known German and Austrian proof marks and your pistol seems to predate the laws requiring them. For instance, the German proof law was passed in 1891 and came into effect in early 1893. This is the general timeframe several countries were formulating and passing actual laws requiring proof and proof marks. As a general rule, you hardly ever find a proof mark by itself, where there is one there will be others( American proof marks are not required by law and if present at all may be a single mark placed by the maker). Hallmarks on old guns IDed the maker and warranted that it was made to a certain quality( subject to opinion).
Mike

[Diz]

Could it be the stamp for Prague but upside down? My Photo-Shop is not working so I couldn't flip it for a better look and I am getting to old to do it in my head. Nice looking piece by the way. Good luck, Diz