New Member Barrel Marking Question

[Hesser]

Recently joined and excited about learning more about my 20 gauge S/S. I got it from my father in law when he died, I believe he got it from his father. Serial number is 133583. There are several markings inside that I am trying to find out more about. Below are the pictures. Thanks for any info y'all might have

[Randy Roberts]

Hi Kevin and welcome aboard. The "1" on the lug is the frame size and the "k" would appear to be the mark of Charles King. The "3 5" is the unstruck barrel weight of 3lbs 5 oz. I cannot make out the letter next to that mark, is it a V or a K ? The WK in the oval is the mark of Walter King while the "V" on the water table is the grade. I find it interesting that this gun has what appears to be markings of both Walter and Charles King. I have not seen this before that I recall, surely others have and will offer comments.

[Hesser]

Randy, thanks for getting back. I believe that one marking is a V.

[Researcher]

The 1 on the bottom of the barrel lug is the frame size meaning the center-to-center firing pin spacing is 1 1/16. The little K and whatever the other mark is on the lug are unknown. My 2-frame VH-Grade, 106580, has a very tiny 6 next to the 2 on the barrel lug.

The WK in the oval is the Walter King inspection mark. Not on my gun.

The Kf has had a couple of explanations over the years -- 1. that it is the Charles King finished mark; 2. and much more likely, it is the steel mark as it is found in the steel mark location on many early Vulcan Steel barrels. The Kf is in the same location on my gun.

The V on the watertable above the serial number is the grade of the gun.

[Randy Roberts]

Originally Posted by Kevin Hesseltine

Randy, thanks for getting back. I believe that one marking is a V.

Then that would be the grade as well. It almost looks like a K to me but logic would make it a V.

[Jim DiSpagno]

Welcome Kevin. The “1” is the frame size the “WK” is for Walter Kinthe Parker Bros barrel man and the 3-5 is the unstruck barrel weight. Please clean the gun with Hoppes No. 9 and a frontier pad to remove rust and dirt

[Researcher]

Serial number is 133583.

Looks like 133683 on the watertable to my eyes. Whichever is correct, the Research Letter home page shows there are surviving records for a letter on your gun.

[Joe D.]

Frontier pad is at big45metalcleaner.com you will be amazed at the results (keep it off of the wood). Please post pictures when it is cleaned up!

[Hesser]

Joe D. thanks for the info on the frontier pad. I will be definitely ordering that. I will post the pics of the shotgun, after I get it all cleaned up.

[Harry Collins]

A #1 frame 20 gauge must be a very stout Parker. I have a few #1 framed 12 gauges, but just can't recall noticing a #1 frame 20.