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Vlim · 05-30-2011, 03:29 PM

Hmm, I think that the 'Blue Book' described an interesting interpretation of the Vienna proof laws.

The separate 'nitro proof' was introduced at European proof houses when the smokeless nitro based powders became available. This was done in Austria-Hungary as well, by decree, in 1899 (not 1891). This was an extension of the original proof law, which was based on black powder use alone, and that original law was introduced in 1891.

So, if you have a luger with an NPv proof marking, it only shows that it was proofed in Vienna some time after 1899. This was in use from 1899 - 1940 (when the Germans visited) and reinstated in 1945-1951. Between 1940-1945 the German proof laws were used.

05-30-2011, 03:29 PM	#8
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,991 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hmm, I think that the 'Blue Book' described an interesting interpretation of the Vienna proof laws. The separate 'nitro proof' was introduced at European proof houses when the smokeless nitro based powders became available. This was done in Austria-Hungary as well, by decree, in 1899 (not 1891). This was an extension of the original proof law, which was based on black powder use alone, and that original law was introduced in 1891. So, if you have a luger with an NPv proof marking, it only shows that it was proofed in Vienna some time after 1899. This was in use from 1899 - 1940 (when the Germans visited) and reinstated in 1945-1951. Between 1940-1945 the German proof laws were used.