0 Frame 16s
 

A while back, and I don't remember what thread or who said, but the conversation turned to the 0 frame 16s. Someone refereed to them as the almost seen misty shadow figures of Camelot. Really? Do we know how many are out there? How many w/Damascus or with fluid steel, Any twist?
I can account for only 1, VH 26" M x I chokes, appears original to me but doubt leather covered butt pad. Wish I had more of 'em. 0 frame 16 w/30" barrels for doves, Hmmmm. I'll show you mine if you show me yours. Note the tiny "K" on the frame lug next to the 0. Any wisdom on my questions is welcomed and appreciated as always.

I have a #1-1/2 frame, SG transition era 26" VH12 with a leather covered pad like that. Am unsure of it's originality.

Here is a similar tiny K on the lug of the massive 6-frame 12-guge Quality VH the Puglisi had some years ago --

Attachment 91673

I have also seen that tiny K stamped in the space between the lug and the cocking hook, but can't lay my cursor on a picture right now.

I have recorded a very tiny J.S on the lug of many hammer guns and some early hammerless ones --

Attachment 91674

Keith, of all the 16’s I’ve handled or even seen about half have been on the 0-frame. Of all the 16’s I have owned only 1 is other than a o-frame.







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They are not rare by any means.

I have personally seen more 0 frame 16s than I have 1 frame 16s. By a lot.

That's odd. Searching hard, no price limitations, I find one #0 frame for every 100 #1 frames for sale (estimation and maybe exaggeration but it's clear I can't find them). Maybe the folks who have them never sell them?? I probably wouldn't.

But we must remember the standard frame size for the sixteen gauge was always the 1-frame.






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I have 2. They each weigh in at just 6#. One has 28" barrels the other 26". Don't plan on parting with them any time soon. And that is why you don't find as many for sale that often.
Bob Jurewicz

In the later years, anything over 200000, I seem to see far more 1-frame 16-gauges.

In continuing to look through the pictures I've saved I see tiny O, B, D, V in addition to the K and J.S on the lug and in the space forward of the lug. And, just to be different, my Father's old 12-gauge Quality VH has a tiny 6 next to the much larger 2 frame size stamp on the lug?!?

I have 2 16s that serial number over 200000, one a VH SST, one a GHE SST, both are on #1 frames, 28", both about 6#6oz. This gun weighs 5#14oz, barrels stamped 2#15oz.
I wonder what the tiny letters indicate.