Letters in
The Chicago Field in 1878 state that a barrel forger named John Blaze of Birmingham, England had immigrated to America to make Dan Wesson's barrels. He was listed in the 1865 Worcester, Mass. City Directory as a ‘Gunsmith’, and 1878-1881 as a ‘Blacksmith’. Whether he left Wesson for Parker's employ after Dan Wesson shut down his shotgun production in December 1870 is uncertain. Other Wesson gunmakers did take jobs with Parker, including Charles A. King.
From the research of John Davis
The American Field (Chicago) on March 8, 1879.
Mr. Wesson commenced making guns and gun-barrels in the year 1868. He engaged a man, John Blaze, from Birmingham, England, who was considered one of the most skillful barrel forgers of his day. Mr. Wesson made about 400 pairs of barrels of the Damascus pattern, and a figure known as the Wesson pattern.
The Parker Bros., of Meriden, Conn., commenced making twisted barrels in the Spring of 1877.
The late Wilbur F. Parker at one time business manager of this enterprising firm, was so well pleased with the barrels manufactured by Mr. Wesson, and knowing of the flattering testimony given these barrels by sportsmen and dealers throughout the country, that he contemplated manufacturing gun barrels, and even engaged the barrel welder who made Mr. Wesson's barrels after the Wesson firm had given up making guns.
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