A Facile Princeps is not likely to be mistaken for an Empire gun.

My money is on a mis-stamped or worn 'E' for Empire-grade.

A photo would clear this up, Matt. Either way, you're a dunce if you don't grab the gun!

Hey, G'day jvw, BTW. I've just ordered Graham Greener's book, since we Aussies are finally trading well against the green-back. Under a hundred bucks delivered at last! Can't wait to get into the firm's history, having owned a few of their guns over the years. Great hardware, don't yer reckon?!

O&BTW, speaking of being "an absolute bitch to repair", try Empire main-springs, since they double as the cocking rods!!