proof mark question

[cwbyengraver]

Hello I am engraving my second gun which is a colt 1908 model I got it cheap because it was covered in rust I have polished the slide recut the lettering and engraved the slide is done. I started polishing the frame and noticed a proof mark on the side of the trigger guard in the v and a number 5 next to where the trigger would be is it ok to engrave over them or should i go around them

 

[pilkguns]

There is no legal requirement concerning maintaining proofmarks. If you want rid of them, file them off or engrave over them. Same with inspectors stamp often found on military guns.

Federal law does say that serial numbers and manufactureres/and or importer information should remain unaltered, but many us have been know to accent them with gold inlays or making imperfect stamps line up more correctly when doing a top notch job.

A few of us have also been known to move or eliminate manufacturer's markings for want of a better canvas. I would never move eliminate a serial number though.