"STUT TWIS"?
 

I acquired a 12ga lifter, sn 5056 a few months ago. I looked it over pretty carefully before bidding, satisfied that I was adding a nice stub twist hammergun to my accumulation. When I got it home and studied it closer, I found the top rib inscription actually said "STUT TWIS". Deciding it was time for my own copy of 'The Parker Story', I ordered (and received in record time) same. I could find no reference anywhere for "STUT TWIS" in TPS or the FORUM. The barrel flat is marked with a "T" without the crescents. I've formulated some ideas from the extensive info in TPS, but would like to know if anyone else has seen this marking. Those with stub twist Parkers might recheck their top rib inscriptions.

It should be Stub Twist. I would like to see very clear photos of the steel type engraving on your gun.

Yeah me too.

I'll work on that... might take a few days. The top rib inscription is identical to second line of fig 14.17 on page 585 of TPS, except for spelling "STUT TWIS". This is the period before roll die marking, so it appears to be intentional by the engraver. The inscription also includes the same double punctuation (double commas). Lock plate also has double punctuation (PARKER BROS'').

There are references in The Parker Story of letter dies having been broken and/or chipped but that they were still used until new ones were made or until the defect was noticed and corrected. Some rib legends were engraved while others were roll stamped.

We really need to see your rib legend under magnification.

I'm thinking worn out or broken roll stamping wheel

I had an 1877 Grade 0 12 gauge with mistakes on the lock plates. The 'R's were unfinished and were 'P's!

Photos should show this is hand engraved for this SN. Engraving wasn't intentional but likely the result of lingering alcohol fumes on a Saturday workday or else a case of consumption.
The less likely alternative is that a previous owner had the gun restored in China and I don't mean China, Maine. (Try making sense of assembly instructions with most items nowadays.)
Best Regards,
Erick.

PS Photos would be nice to see. Take solace in the fact that this motivated you to purchase TPS. Purchasing TPS was the best, most enjoyable gunning investment I ever made.

Also, if you ever sell this lifter you can imitate the internet gun dealers who would label it a "Rare Factory Error" and regardless describe it as "like new for its age."

it would be cool if you could get one mismarked STUD twist

I'm surprised that Dave F. has not already done that.