Help with barrel marking

[UNCLE PAULY]

Twice I have seen pictures of eight "0" stamped on the end of barrel on flintlock rifles.

Not sure if markings are from barrel maker or rifle builder.

Can anyone help ID barrel maker or builder?

Thank you, Paul

 

[EZFEED]

Him that's interesting. Do you have a pic????

 

[poker]

Paul, maybe what you are seeing is a false muzzle’s pins

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

EZFEED, one picture was from your G.B. WHITE 40 cal on G.B.

But I have seen the same marking of eight "0" encircling the crown on another rifle in the past. This leads me to think maybe it's the barrel maker's stampings?

 

[Larry Akers]

I have seen barrel muzzles marked with zeros, ohs, vees, punch marks, stars, combinations of letters and punch marks and various engraved designs. They are for decoration and put there by the builder or perhaps the owner.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Thanks Larry, that makes sense, I believe that is it.

 

[poker]

Makes sense to go at it with a punch on your barrels muzzle? lol go for it

 

[rich pierce]

Decorative as stated above. More common in percussion period on fullstock rifles for some reason.

 

[Bon Sauvage]

They may have a decorative function now but I believe that they started out as hex marks. The purpose of a hex mark was to remove any curse off of the spinning ball as it left the muzzle to allow it to fly true.

 

[EZFEED]

EZFEED, one picture was from your G.B. WHITE 40 cal on G.B.

But I have seen the same marking of eight "0" encircling the crown on another rifle in the past. This leads me to think maybe it's the barrel maker's stampings?

HEEEEEEY ok now I know whatcha talking about. I'll post a pic so everyone can see.
You know what....I think I have a few others that have muzzle marks too.

 

[EZFEED]

 

[Kansas Jake]

I probably should add some of those marks to my barrels so the ball will fly true.

 

[EC121]

At one time in the early smoothbore period the thought was was that a little gremlin rode the ball and steered it away from the target. After rifling was developed it was decided that the little gremlin was spun off the ball and it flew true. The hex marks are in the same category plus they are decorative.