BHE, marking on barrel flats

[Tom Underwood]

I have a BHE that has a capital A in a circle on the barrel flats. What does it mean?

[Fred Verry]

Acme Steel

[Dean Romig]

Page 513 of TPS discusses Acme Steel barrels listed in the 1907 Parker Bros. catalog, where "Acme Steel" first appeared as being of three qualities; "the CH grade gun as 'Acme Steel of a high grade,' the BH gun with 'Acme Steel of a very choice grade,' and the AH gun with 'Acme Steel of the very choicest grade.'"
Prior to the introduction of Acme Steel barrels Finest Damascus Steel, Bernard Steel (used only on a scarce few Grade 5 guns) and then after 1897 Titanic Steel would be used for Grade 3 and higher where fluid steel barrels were desired up to the introduction of Acme Steel.