John,
Thanks for the conversation. Your Meriden is a Model 97 Hammer gun with 30" damascus barrels. It was most likely produced in late 1910. The early 1910 guns were Aubrey's. He left or was fired in mid-1910.
The Model 97 was the top of the line Hammer gun. It has the most engraving for a hammer gun. In 1908 it sold for $22.20. The top of the line Aubrey available through the Sears catalog was the Model 58 which sold for $38.50.
As I mentioned, I have seen a very early M97 gun was very heavily stippled. As you noted, the engraving did change over time. I agree there was another "hand" at work.
Now, if I can ever track down #1906 that Tyson shows....
Pete
