Gun Barrel Proof Act 1868

4 Interpretation of Terms. U.K.

In the Construction of this Act the following Words and Expressions have the following Meanings, unless there be in the Subject or Context something repugnant to or inconsistent with such Construction; to wit,

• “The Gunmakers Company” means “the Master, Wardens, and Society of the Mystery of Gunmakers of the City of London:”

• “The Guardians” means “the Guardians of the Birmingham Proof House” as incorporated under the recited Act and as continued and constituted under this Act:

• “The Two Companies” means and includes the Gunmakers Company and the Guardians:

• [F1 “The Permanent International Commission” means the Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Small Arms mentioned in section 129(1) of this Act]

• “Small Arms” includes Small Arms of every Description, and whether of present Use or of future Invention, respectively adapted for the Discharge of Bullets, Shots, or other Projectiles, either by means of the Explosion, Ignition, or other Action of Gunpowder, Gun Cotton, Fulminating Powder, or other Substance, whether of present Use or of future Invention or Application, or by means of the Expansion of Steam or Gas, or by any other Means not being merely mechanical Means, except Air Guns as at present manufactured:

• “Barrel” includes every Barrel of every Small Arm, and every Breech of every Small Arm, and every Part of every Small Arm which would in the User of the Small Arm contain all or any Part of the Charge of the Small Arm, and every Part of every Small Arm in, from, or through which Part in the User of the Small Arm all or any Part of the Charge thereof would be exploded or discharged:

• “Barrel” also includes every Barrel welded, forged, or cast, finished or unfinished, or in any other progressive State of Manufacture, and any and every Part of a Barrel:

• “Double Barrel” includes every Barrel of or constructed for every Small Arm having any Number of Barrels more than One:

• “Provisional Proof” means Proof of a Barrel liable in any subsequent Stage of Manufacture to be reduced in Strength before it forms Part of a Small Arm in a finished State:

• “Definitive Proof” means Proof of a Barrel not liable in any subsequent Stage of Manufacture to be reduced in Strength before it forms Part of a Small Arm in a finished State:

• “Proof” means provisional Proof and definitive Proof, or, as the Case requires, provisional Proof or definitive Proof:

• “Stamp” includes every Stamp, Die, Punch, Tool, and other Instrument whatsoever by means whereof any Mark can be made on any Metal whatsoever:

• “Mark” includes every Mark and other Impression of and made with any Stamp, or produced by any other Means whatsoever, on any Metal whatsoever:

• [F2 “convention proof mark” has the meaning given in section 129(1) of this Act;

• F3 . . .]

• The several Weights by this Act or any Schedule thereto prescribed [F4 which are expressed in imperial units] are Avoirdupois Weight.

Textual Amendments

F1 Definition in s. 4 inserted (5.6.1980) by Gun Barrel Proof Act 1978 (c. 9), s. 9(3), Sch. 3 para. 1(a); S.I. 1980/640, art. 2

F2 Definitions in s. 4 inserted (1.12 1978 as to definition of "statutory maximum" and 5.6.1980 as to definition of "convention proof mark") by Gun Barrel Proof Act 1978 (c. 9), s. 9(3), Sch. 3 para. 1(b); S.I. 1978/1587, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 1980/640, art. 2

F3 Definition in s. 4 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIV Group2.

F4 Words in s. 4 inserted (1.12.1978) by Gun Barrel Proof Act 1978 (c. 9), s. 9(3), Sch. 3 para. 1(c); S.I. 1978/1587, art. 2, Sch.