Hungarian Proof Marks

[ToddSig]

Proof marks for Hungary and Astro Hungarian arms. If anyone has access to additional Hungarian marks or perhaps FEG inspector marks, please add to the thread and post.

The Hungariae website has a large list of markings, but many/most dont apply to our needs, link to view is 
www.hungariae.com/Markings.htm


I checked several of my FEG Hi Power clones for proof and inspection marks. Most marks which are recognizable are on the barrell foot, so that would be the first place to look. I found three marks which are mostly used, but not three are alwasy found, sometimes just two or one. The three marks, are left to right in the below image, the first above the red arrow a little hard to see and depending on orientation, a Roman numeral IV  (which I believe/best guess is an abbreviated Hungarian/Budapest smokeless proof mark of the mark IVP_B  ). The next mark is a Budapest mark, a Heart shaped cartouche centering an "I". The last mark is a circle with an H in the center. I have seen them with an M as well and is possibly an inspectors mark.

[beczl]

The list that you posted is a bit misleading because real funtion lost during the translation.

A heart-shaped cartouche centering an "I" is a marking of the shot tested main parts of the weapon. Usually before final assembly, the barrel itself as well as both the upper and lower side of the gun - in HP case the slide with the barrel, and the frame with the internal - was tested individually by a proof cartridge. This 'I' sign represents the successful test. This is an internal factory mark that was not mandatory to use.

I don't think so it's a roman IV due to Hungarian manufacturers and proof houses never used the roman letters as far as I know.

The HP's could have the following marks. The first letter in the mark category is the original FÉG reference letter about the stamp itself. On the drawing stamps placement marked with a reference letter in a circle.

Like this. This is an NGV assault rifle drawing. Sorry I have no available HP drawing now.



Category - Purpose

B - Military acceptance marking
- 2.5 mm size K I. or K II. letter and below one/two 1.5 mm size number in a 5 mm diameter circle - Military Acceptance Mark (1951-1962), or
- 5 mm diameter, coat of arms of the Hungarian People’s Republic, and below one/two 2 mm size number stamp - Military Acceptance Mark (1962-1990).
Used: frame, slide

T - QC acceptance certificate
- 1.5 mm size D letter stamp in a 3 mm diameter circle, or
- 4 mm size D letter stamp - quality checked part.
Used: any part

P - Pressure tested with enhanced charge cartridge
- 1.5 mm size E letter stamp in a 3 mm diameter circle - Tested with enhanced charge cartridge.
Used: barrel

O - Tested with proof cartridge
- 1.5 mm size F letter stamp in a 3 mm diameter circle - A finished weapon tested by a proof cartridge.
Used: frame

K - Zeroed gun marking
- 4-6 mm size 0-9 number stamp - Indication of the accuracy grouping of the zeroed weapon. Higher number indicate lower accuracy.
Used: slide back side, near back sight

A - Final acceptance marking
- 1.5 mm size H letter stamp in a 3 mm diameter circle - The assembled weapon was tested, with standard (military) ammunition. Accepted for military and law enforcement use.
Used: barrel, frame

D - Ultrasonic examination marking
- 1.5 mm size I letter stamp in a 3 mm diameter circle - Part examined by ultrasonic device (typically the barrel)
Used: any part

Pl - Foundry / rolling mill marking
- 1.5 mm size two number stamp in a 3 mm diameter circle - Foundry or rolling mill plant identifier. In the FÉG case, this marking was between 01-40 refer to barrel forging plant.
Used: barrel

G - Hardness test indication marking
- 1.5 mm size G letter stamp in a 3 mm diameter circle - passed on hardness test, or
- 4-6 mm size 1-9 number stamp - tested hardness of a part
Used: any part

Component / HRC 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Internal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 - - - - - - - -
Barrel - - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 - - - - - -
Frame, slide - - - - - - - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

F - QC final acceptance certificate
- 1.5 mm size M letter stamp in a 3 mm diameter circle - Indicate the post-production quality inspection of a main part.
Used: barrel, frame

S - State test proof certificate
- 4 mm size, coat of arms stamp with N letter above it - Hungarian Small Arms Inspection Office - Nitro gunpowder test proof mark.
Used: barrel, frame, slide

[ToddSig]

Hi Laszlo, thanks for posting and commenting on the FEG/Hungarian proof marks.

Regarding the Roman numeral IV or possibly an N with line separations looking mark, below is a better image from another barrel (from a Charles Daly). As I mentioned in my original post, it has the look of an abbreviated or partial of the NPB mark. See my image of the mark below with the left side, N portion circled. Perhaps they have nothing to do with each other. Any additional thought on the N or IV mark would be of interest, as I have found it on many of my FEG Hi Power clone barrels. Thanks.

[beczl]

I asked my contact about this mark.

You're right it's an 'IV'. It's an acceptance mark of the Ministry of Interior. In some cases, another 'R' stamp (Rendőr - Police) is also used beside mark 'IV'.



Acceptance marks:

I - Export
II - Civil, Hunter
III - Army
IV - Ministry of interior, Police
V - Ministry of interior, Border Guard
VI - Workers' Militia

[Bob Reed]

Excellent info.

Now, if FEG would start producing their HP again based off the 'C' Series the World would be a better place!