Proof marks on Bucks county fowler

[jdm]

I believe   the R W on this barrel stands for  Richard Wilson Or Robert Wheeler.  I was hoping one of you might help me out and shed a little light on the subject. It's a thirty-three and three quarters inch octagon to round barrel. This is on a plain original flint Bucks county fowler, open end nose cap and Bucks style butt  plate and lock bolt plate. I'm always trying to come up with the story behind these old  guns.
Oh yea it's got a nice lock. Thanks!!






upload to album

[mtlonghunter]

Do you have any more pictures of this bucks county fowler? Thanks

[jdm]

First picture two Bucks county guns . The top one has been posted here before. Bottom one is from this topic.






image processing service

[JV Puleo]

If the two marks are "crown over GP" and "Crown over V" they are London proofs... keeping in mind that the GP is a ligature - the two letters are joined together.

If it is a "Crown over P" and "Crown over V" they are private Birmingham proofs.

The crowned "GP and "P" marks are frequently confused, were intended to be confusing at the time and are still confusing people now. Also, on a worn barrel, they can be difficult to differentiate.

[Mike Brooks]

Probably a reused Wilson fowling gun barrel.

[jdm]

[quote author=Mike Brooks
Probably a reused Wilson fowling gun barrel.


That's what I was thinking . Just not sure if it was Wilson or Wheeler

[Seth Isaacson]

I'd put my money on Wilson.

Here are some markings on Wilson pistols:

[Mike Brooks]

I suppose it May also be possible Wilson exported some new  barrels for the American gun trade.

[jdm]

[quote author=JV Puleo
If the two marks are "crown over GP" and "Crown over V" they are London proofs... keeping in mind that the GP is a ligature - the two letters are joined together.



The crowned "GP and "P" marks are frequently confused, were intended to be confusing at the time and are still confusing people now. Also, on a worn barrel, they can be difficult to differentiate.
[/quote]

Puelo , You are correct . It's difficult to tell if they are joined or not. They appear to be joined but I'm not  100 %.
The word London is not stamped on the barrel like the trade guns . That would have been to easy.

Rambling Historian Thanks for those pictures that's what I needed.

Mike I  always thought this was a reused barrel . I hadn't thought about it being imported new.  It does make a pretty neat light weight gun. Here are a couple pictures of the lock for those interested .

Thank you all for your help.  JIM