VHE 20 Barrel Flat Markings

Sjobey · 06-06-2022, 04:27 PM

Hello all, I recently picked up a nifty little VHE 20, vintage 1931. It has some markings on the barrel flats that I have not seen before. Can anyone help me identify them? It appears to be the letters HT over an A. I'm guessing that it may be a gunsmiths mark from previous work? Thanks in advance for any help.

Randy Roberts · 06-06-2022, 04:39 PM

Those are Parker marks. The V in the circle is the barrel steel. Vulcan in this case. The HT over the A is unknown for certain but has been speculated to be " heat treated annealed".

Sjobey · 06-06-2022, 04:48 PM

Thank you Randy. That sheds some light on it.

Researcher · 06-07-2022, 10:33 AM

Reviewing the pictures in my files, I see the Kf (Vulcan) and K (Titanic and Acme) barrel steel markings in use into 13xxxx serial number range, then a lengthy transition to the V, T or A in circle through the 13xxxx and 14xxxx serial number range. I see the HT over A marking beginning to appear in the 17xxxx range.

todd allen · 06-07-2022, 09:58 PM

Looks like a fairly high condition gun. Any more pics?

Sjobey · 06-08-2022, 09:08 AM

Todd, I can post some when I get home. Out of town for the week. Mechanically in great shape, cosmetically it could use some help. Appears to be from good, honest use though.