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Here's a set of Birmingham proofed barrels off a Saxton shotgun. It looks to have been originally proofed a 12ga, between 1887 and 1896. It appears to be an American Trade gun sold by Alfred Field & Co, which had concerns in both Birmingham and New York. According to an old PeteM post, AH Saxton joined the firm in 1867, perhaps he handled the guns side of the business. The tubes look to be 2 iron crolle and are marked J.A.R., perhaps the tube maker?

Now the confusing thing. The owner reports it's a short chambered 10ga, which he shoots regularly. Are the number 12 on the flats a rough tube size indicator? What about the number 12 within the diamond? What am I missing? Any info is welcome.

Regards
Ken

I prefer wood to plastic, leather to nylon, waxed cotton to Gore-Tex, and split bamboo to graphite.