Mark identification on snaphaunce breech

[~dan~]

Hi all
I have a North African snaphaunce which having just cleaned it up has these marks on the left hand side of the breech. Anybody able to shed any light on them please? Looks like crowns over X, which is curious given its North African origin. Thanks in advance. Dan.

 

[rickystl]

Hi Dan

The marks on the barrel of this Moroccan snaphaunce are likely original, but spurious. This was very common with these guns. The marks were likely added to the barrel after it was assembled and ready to be sold. The marks were likely added to give a prospective buyer the "impression" that the barrel was of European origin, so as to enhance the value of the gun. Much of the population could not read or write their own language, much less a foreign one.
Look and see if there is a maker's stamp on the lock plate.

Rick

 

[~dan~]

Hi Dan

The marks on the barrel of this Moroccan snaphaunce are likely original, but spurious. This was very common with these guns. The marks were likely added to the barrel after it was assembled and ready to be sold. The marks were likely added to give a prospective buyer the "impression" that the barrel was of European origin, so as to enhance the value of the gun. Much of the population could not read or write their own language, much less a foreign one.
Look and see if there is a maker's stamp on the lock plate.

Rick

Rick
Thank you, that makes sense. Marks are very roughly done on reflection, I imagine a European gunsmith may well have taken more care/pride in the marking. I’ll look closer but in meantime my thanks for your advice.
Dan.