Somewhere in the range of 6000 to 8600 is where I've come to believe the caliber roll marking started. I set the magnification to about 350, and I can see bits and pieces of stamping. I'm thinking this establishes the beginning of the caliber marking.

If you can get a clear high-resolution picture of that area of the barrel, you can send it
to me via email, at [email protected] . The resolution gets knocked way down when posting pictures on this sight. You might try rubbing some oil over the area, then wipe it lightly, so that some of the old stays in the surface depressions. A bright light might then highlight it.

In spite of the finish, that is a scarce gun. The number of 5" 1899 targets is probably less than 20, and maybe less than that.

Thanks for helping out here. I appreciate it.

Regards, Mike