Not a maker's mark, but a government PROOF mark. Several European nations require that firearms go to a government test facility, where they are examined, and fired with a high pressure test cartridge to prove their safety. Used since 1904, your proof mark is from the Birmingham England proof house.
AF
Some makers offer history letters.
Some makers offer historical letters. No, there is no registry that you can access.
No, and car makers are not responsible for drunk drivers.
indicates that gun passed proof in 1941. m1 would indicate 1967. m2 1993. etc
Gun makers.
Most of the major gun makers.
Typically the crown of a gun is on the muzzle end of a rifle. It is the recessed area at the very end of the barrel. Poor crown cutting can be the cause of many accuracy problems.
DLX, the makers of the LUXE.
Gun makers are not liable for crimes committed with their company's firearms. It is stated in the disclaimer of every instruction manual that comes with the firearm. What people use their guns for are uncontrolled by the gun maker so they are not held responsible.
A tool that cuts a crown at the muzzle end of the barrel
By comparing markings, serial numbers etc to known records from gun makers.