Some more pics. Looks like "M" 314 as referenced on that other thread for the weight and maker I'm guessing. Barrell shows it's Plain Twist, and the Grade location has "U" showing.

Thanks Chris.
Not just the 'M' but also the Parker P in a diamond

https://photos.smugmug.com/Damascus/...mond%20P-L.jpg

I suspect the barrels were blued at some point, obscuring the original pattern which I don't believe to be Plain Twist.

Okay thanks, it has plain twist stamped on barrel is why saying that.

It could be Chris, but the ribband edge welds are not usually as prominent in Plain Twist

https://photos.smugmug.com/Damascus/...IMG_7428-S.jpg

Okay thank you, and I totally missed the "P" in the diamond!

Unfortunately, my barrels really have no definition but the markings are the same.


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OTOH this is a Plain Twist marked c. 1880 lifter with the 'M' and clear ribband weld lines

https://photos.smugmug.com/Damascus/...20Lifter-L.jpg

Thanks for everyone's help with the identification. I am ready to submit my letter for a research request and just wanted to confirm the letter "U" being stamped indicates Grade zero. Also, if anyone has any guidance or reference how to get a suitable appraisal once I receive the letter back, I would really appreciate it. I am located in eastern NC. Thanks again!

The U stamped on the water table by the serial number indicates the Underlifter type of action. The grade 0 guns don't normally have anything stamped indicating their grade. The grade is most often determined by the Barrel steel used. Normally the various Twist Steels were for grades 0 & 1 and Damascus Steel barrels were used on some grade 1 guns and most all of the grade 2's and above.

In my limited experience, the stamp indicating Parker-made Laminated Steel barrels is the P with the broken left side of the foot, stamped on the forward area of the right barrel flat, such as in this illustration...


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Okay thank you, so then based off the pictures I have posted, how can I tell what grade this is?