I've read TPS about rib legends and how they were applied but there is nothing definitive written there. TPS states that the roll stamping started in 1879 and that engraved rib legends ended about that time but that doesn't take into account the fact that comparatively few Parkers were made with Bernard barrels - hence the lack of necessity of a roll die for these barrels until it became apparent that they would continue to produce Bernard barreled guns for about another twenty years after 86088 was produced. And why would they make a roll die for the equally uncommon Whitworth barrels or rarer still, Peerless barrels?
Anyone have other ideas or thoughts?
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