WR would then inspect them and mark them with the patent and consecutive "Use Numbers" when approved.
Daryl,
As you know, I have been searching / asking for years about those "Use Numbers". Well this explains everything. If I understand correctly, each gun got it's own number. Making it impossible to track them back to the patent being used if it is not also marked on the gun. Fascinating system. The patent holder must have kept a master list that referenced each Use Number to a specific gun. A total lack of trust that was apparently common across the industry. If this was true in Britain, it may also have been true else. I wonder if this tells us something about all those Krupp barrels?
I am very glad you acquired those documents. A real learning experience.
Pete
