The crown/V mark on the top rib of the Oberhammer drilling may look similar to the London proofhouse "View" mark, but is the German "Vorratszeichen" = in stock mark. When the German prooflaw became effectiv on April 1, 1893, it was stamped on guns that were on maker's or dealer's shelves, ready for sale and not subject to the "new" proof. It was essentially a proof exemption mark. If after April 1, 1893 a gun without this crown/V mark was found on a dealer's rack, the dealer would be prosecuted and the gun subjected to full proof, using the heavier proof charges of the first or preliminary proof for rough barrels.