Quote:
Originally Posted by pbslinger
I think the reason roman numerals are used is because it is easily done with the equipment used to carve the stocks. I think they are carved with a narrow burr or wheel that has a radius cutting edge. This was probably mounted on a horizontal shaft, and the work was moved by hand under the cutter.
Is there any correlation between the roman numeral and the serial number of the gun?
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The presence of Roman Numerals on the obverse of these various Stocks is in keeping with Artisan-Made things from times passed.
Clock Makers, Blacksmiths, Cabinetmakers, Musical Insturment Makers, Machinery Builders, Door and Sash Makers, on and on, all did the same thing.
It was simply a way, easily done fast with whatever Tools or Markers one was using already, or, done in Pencil or Wax Crayon often enough also ( if not per-se on Pearl Stocks, where Pencil or Crayon would tend to rub off too easily), to identify parts of an assembly or parts of a to-be-assembly, or, elements of a pair of something, so they would not get mixed up with other similar ones also in progress.
When making only one pair or something or one Assembly of some sort, then it was not bothered with, since there would be no similar things present for the pieces to get mixed with.