Hi Drew,
After I posted I thought that perhaps damascus barrel patterns could supply clues. For instance my current Belgium ML has a barrel pattern similar to the above Parker. Several years ago I had a 36 gauge Belgium ML that had a pattern closer to the pattern in your lower photo.
As for locks. My 36 gauge had back action locks. I also had a 9/10 gauge Manton that I dated back to the mid-1850's and it had back action locks. My 12 gauge Belgium ML has bar locks. I think it may be newer then the first two. I think it was made and sold as an inexpensive farmers gun and may have been built well into the breech loader era.
However, if what Oskar said holds true perhaps it's not worth being concerned about.
Steve
Last edited by Rockdoc; 04/03/16 07:36 PM.
