Interesting barrel lug marks

[Mills Morrison]

These markings are on a G Grade toplever 10 gauge, serial number 42427, that I recently acquired. I see what appears to be a worn "3" on the top indicating the frame size, but am not sure what the "6" means and cannot make out the other markings (which appear to be letters, maybe "JS" ??). On the back side is shown "427" which is part of the serial number, but also does not make sense. Maybe someone with more knowledge than I have can shed some light on this one.

[Dave Suponski]

Mills, That JS is indeed the stamp of John Stokes. Parker Brothers barrel foreman in that era.I have a hammergun here that is so marked.

[Mills Morrison]

Yes, these are from a hammer gun and I should have said E Grade. That is interesting to learn who made the barrels. Any clue as to the other markings?

[Dave Suponski]

Mills, We believe the 6 is an inspectors mark. The 427 is in fact the last three digits of the serial number. During this period Parker Bros. employed many contractors and they were paid by quantity. When a contractor finished a section or operation they would stamp their number on the finished item. I believe in this time period regular employees were not the norm in the gun business.

[Mills Morrison]

Very interesting. Thanks for the info

[Dave Noreen]

Any chance the numeral 6 on the lug means the gun was targetted with #6 shot. I've heard that explaination, but have no idea if it is true. My Father's 1901 vintage 2-frame VH-grade has a very tiny 6 next to the 2 on the lug, and the right barrel flat has the Kf mark.

[Mills Morrison]

Does anyone have a gun with a different number stamped? It is an interesting mystery