DARYL,

I'm truly impressed with your SxS wisdom.

My 10 ga. SxS Baker's serial number is 608xx; in the very range you speculated. The "O W" is also stamped into the forend iron, next to the serial number - as you suggested.

Until a better explanation is published, I'll just assume it was the personal hunting shotgun of the famous (perhaps infamous) British author, Oscar Wilde.....or perhaps it was previously owned by Oliver Winchester? or maybe Orsen Wells?

(DOUG, I live near St. Louis, MO.)

JERRY