....Remember, we're talking about an artisan industry capable of creating virtually any type pattern, including actual words/names. This is why I'm of the opinion such variations were completely intentional, and used to denote quality....
Thanks for the follow up Ken. I was coming from the thought that tubes were sourced from Europe in a rough turned state. The pattern was probably not visible at that point, but also likely to change some with final machining and finishing.
Maybe better tubes might have been separated in a larger order, but I don't know if Parker would have dedicated resources to pair up tubes. I can see where a British best gun maker might have specified unique and matching tubes, for some of their guns, but that level care may not have translated to American production guns.
Only thoughts is all. It just seems to me that to select for some characteristics would require tube rough finishing steps that I don't know were actually done.
