On the optimality of a characterization theorem for the gamma function using the multiplication formula

Summary The following Artin type characterization of : _{+ +} is proved: Assume thatf: _{+ +} satisfies the Gauss multiplication formula for some fixedp 2,f is absolutely continuous on l/p, 1 + ] for some > 0 and lim _{x 0} xf(x) = 1. Thenf(x) = (x) forx > 0.The optimality of this result is checked by means of counterexamples. For instance, it is shown that the result is no longer true, if f is absolutely continuous is replaced by f is continuous and of finite variation.