What you’re seeing:
- The little lion over “PV” mark = a smokeless powder proof (standard Belgian proof mark from the Liège Proof House).
- The crowned letter next to it is an inspector’s mark, used to identify the individual proof inspector.
- The repeated marks (on both slide and frame) indicate both parts were proofed and likely original/matching from the factory, which is a good sign.
What this tells us about your gun
- Confirms it was made and proofed in Belgium (FN Herstal)
- Confirms it’s an authentic Browning-pattern pistol, not a later copy
- These markings are consistent with early–mid 20th century production (roughly 1910s–1940s range)
1910 vs 1922 clarification
Based on your earlier full photo + this one:
- The longer slide/barrel and grip length strongly point to the FN Browning Model 1922 pistol, not the shorter 1910.
!