Watermarks
 

The FAQ part of this site is awesome! I was looking at the water table FAQ and had two questions. Barrel weight-how much variance is there in weight across frame size? Example, are all 0 frame 16 gauges a 3 or is there a wider range? When I look at Parkers for sale on line is looks like there is variance in weight with similar gauge, barrel length, frame size combos. Could just be variability in other components too I guess or could just be crazy. Also opposite (on the other side of the lug from where the grade and weight is stamped) what do those markings mean? Initials?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mike

Mike, you’ll need to give us examples of those markings you refer to.

Re: the weight variance - wethin a frame size, gauge, barrel length, etc., there are still other variables like requested total gun weight, balance, barrel profile, etc.





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Dean, thanks for the response. The weight thing is interesting, especially from a modern manufacturing perspective. I suppose when things are not CNC’d there is a level of variability and a level of customization not financially feasible today.

I tried taking a picture of the marking I was referring to-see below. The first picture was from my barrel and the second the barrel on the FAQ site.

The J.G. In the oval was the mark of James Geary, barrel striker, and the other insignia stamp on the same flat is one of the stamps for which the meaning is unknown.

The other one, W.K. Is the stamp of Walter King, also a barrel man and son of Charles A. King, superintendent of the Parker Gun Works. Walter King took over as superintendent upon his father’s retirement in 1910, I believe.

The 4 with the superscript 1 is the pre-struck barrel weight. After striking (filing) the barrels to attain a desired profile and weight, several ounces (up to 10 or so in some cases) would have been removed to attain the desired weight and balance of the gun.



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I read somewhere in a article that labor cost and inflation after ww2 pretty much killed American made sxs's . The only double maker I am aware of that is still around and offers as many options as Parkers did would probably be Westley Richards , they make frame sizes from 410 to 4 gauge/bore . Of course you would probably be spending a minimum of 70k . So it makes these older guns a pretty good bargain .


I think something people dont consider when they scoff at the cost of a vintage double .Lets say you bought a $5000 Parkers you could not have one custom made today the same quality or with as many options for that price .

CSMC makes side-by-sides with a variety of options and frames proportioned to the gauge at several price points from the RBL --

Attachment 85148

on up to Tony's pinless sidelock --

Attachment 85147

All made here in the U.S. of A.

I saw a 4 bore in H&H's factory about 8 years ago. The Plant manager said it had $100,000 worth of engraving. I think if you want it, and have deep enough pockets, they will build anything you want. Also saw a SxSxS 20 bore. Handled it. Surprisingly well balanced

Usually what they mean though when they say built to your specifications is if your specifications fit their manufacturing capabilities .