I have an 1861 Springfield rifle dated 1862 on the lock and barrel. It appears original with the exception of an extra proof mark. The eagle, P , and V are all in line and look correct but there is a mark stamped above the V that looks like the outline of calif. (dog legged rectangle).
Does anyone know anything about this mark? I have "The U.S. Model 1861 Springfield" book and the other proofs are correct for the Springfield armory.
Thanks, marlin 6666