Wanted Barrel maker ID

[Ben Gorey]

I have a pistol barrel with a patent breech, 7/8" oct. 7" long, 45 cal rifled, brass front sight which is "set in" the barrel (no dovetail), has a dovetail slot  for the rear sight (missing). The top flat is marked in 3/32" block letters: H.L. Born. On the bottom flat arranged in a column parallel with the flat are 1/8" letters: V, P, and what appears to be crossed swords or maybe double stamped X's. It is in excellent condition and shows excellent workmanship. Any ideas as to who was H.L. Born, where did he work?

[Steve Collward]

Ben:
  Is there a space between the H and L (perhaps worn)?  Why I ask is that there is an area of London called Holborn.  The crossed swords/V, P you describe are most likely British proof marks.
SC

[Ben Gorey]

The letters are sharp and clear and exactly  H. L. BORN  Clearly there are periods after the H and the L. 

[flintriflesmith]

The V and P are part of the British proofing system's marks. They stand for "Viewed" and "Proofed."  The barrel was first proofed then viewed to check for flaws.

I believe there are identifiable differences in most years between London and Birmingham proofs but don't have a book handy.

Gary

[T*O*F]

If it is a military pistol barrel, there could be a number of reasons for the name: barrel's maker, military inspector, armorer who performed upgrades, etc.

I've got one that has 4 different names in various places on the barrel and breechplug.