Steel question

[Researcher]

From the introduction of what Parker Bros. called Vulcan and Titanic Steel barrels in the later 1890s we see two barrel steel markings near the front of the right barrel flat. On the guns marked Titanic Steel on the rib we see a letter K --

131783 03 K in barrel Steel Location.jpg

I've also recorded the K on a few barrels marked Acme Steel in the rib.

On the guns marked Vulcan Steel on the rib we see a Kf --

118801 02.jpg

Circa 1906, in the 135xxx serial number range we begin seeing the V, P, PS, T or A in a circle barrel steel markings.

[James Gentry]

Originally Posted by Dave Noreen

From the introduction of what Parker Bros. called Vulcan and Titanic Steel barrels in the later 1890s we see two barrel steel markings near the front of the right barrel flat. On the guns marked Titanic Steel on the rib we see a letter K --

Attachment 118121

I've also recorded the K on a few barrels marked Acme Steel in the rib.

On the guns marked Vulcan Steel on the rib we see a Kf --

Attachment 118120

Circa 1906, in the 135xxx serial number range we begin seeing the V, P, PS, T or A in a circle barrel steel markings.

Mine is a 1923 VH 20g and has JG inside the circle which is my initials so It must be meant to be! Ha

[Drew Hause]

To address Stan's question, and marketing hyperbole aside Titanic steel was of course a quality steel of the period, and the low levels of nickel and chromium likely increased corrosion resistance.

Dean's point is important, and we don't have an adequate sample of barrels over time, but it is likely that composition changed somewhat.

“Parker Steel” was adequate for the application, but was not considered "fluid steel" - a single sample was non-standard Acid Bessemer Resulphurized Rephosphorized AISI 1109 low carbon steel ie modified decarbonized steel.

It is well documented that the U.S. double gun makers for the most part used Cockerill fluid steel "rough forged tubes" fabricated by Laurent Lochet-Habran , which was Open Hearth AISI 1021-1034 with a tensile strength of 75,000 – 85,000 psi

There were better (stronger and greater corrosion resistance) steels used on high grade mostly Continental doubles in the early 1900s
Krupp “Nirosta” (1912 patent NIchtROstender STAhl 21% Chromium / 7% Nickel Stainless Steel introduced in 1913): 114,000 psi
Bohler “Antinit” (Rostfrei Laufstahl chrome-molybdenum-vanadium introduced 1912): 138,000 psi
Poldi Antikorro & Wittener Excelsior Stahl
4140 chrome moly steel was not used for gun barrels until about 1930

BTW: If someone would like to send me a chunk of their Acme or Whitworth barrel I'd be very happy to take it over the METL for composition analysis and tensile testing

[Bruce P Bruner]

This Remington era Parker barrel has the circle though no “T” associated with Titanic. The top rib is not stamped at all, a late vent rib gun. I believe Remington incorporated chrome moly but I’m not sure.
Note the barrel codes.

[Researcher]

K = May G = 1938