I can't see details in his photo of the barrel flats. It would be helpful to have a clear and well-focused photo to answer much of what he asks.

Significantly, there is no scimitar nitro proof stamp, which tells us it was proofed before implementation of the proof rules of 1904. That stamp is present on my gun, you will notice. Certainly his rifle is earlier than my rifle.

His may have had only London black powder proof before becoming a .470NE. I have a feeling it was a .450BPE. If it were an early .450NE it would be stamped to indicate nitro proof, probably with the stamp "NITRO PROOVED".

The dolls head on his rifle looks like the older pattern normally seen on the BPE rifles.

But I emphasize that without a clear photograph of the barrel flats it is near impossible to say more.

Thinking further, my theory washes away when you consider that any conversion or re-bore of this rifle likely happened after the 1904 proof rules, so why no scimitar? It should have a re-proof stamp and standard 1904 proofs in that scenario. I don't think the .470NE existed prior to 1904. Could this be a Bubba re-bore?

It really looks like some overstamps and altered proofing. We need clear photographs. I would be very hesitant about this rifle without knowing more.

Yes Al, my door is open to your visit any time.

Curl