Need help identifying markings on a Colt Army Special revolver.

[Sasquatch807]

Like the title says, I am trying to identify the markings I found on the right side of barrel on a Colt Army Special revolver.

They seem like Belgian proof marks but why would these be stamped on a Colt revolver?

The serial number puts the 1915 as the year of manufacture, and the caliber is .38 spl.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[tiriaq]

The Belgian proof marks are there because the revolver was sold in Belgium.

 

[Sasquatch807]

The Belgian proof marks are there because the revolver was sold in Belgium.

Ok, that makes sense. I wasn't aware they would also proof guns produced in other countries. The paper trail shows that it was registered in Canada by 1939. It would be interesting to know how it got here. The present owner bought it from an RCMP officer in 1969.

 

[fingers284]

it probably was a gun that was "donated" to the war effort by the original Canadian owner and then "proofed" before being put into European service.

My first thought was that it was a U.S. govt. sponsored "lend-lease" arm (lots of Colts & S&W in .38-200 were sent overseas).but the fact that it was originally Canadian privately owned pretty much negates that track.

 

[tiriaq]

From the inscription, it was owned in Belgium in 1925. If it was registered in Canada in 1939, it was probably brought here just prior to the war.