Re-engraving Stock Oval
 

Is this something that can or should be done on a gun with an engraved oval? Or, is it better replace?

It's nice to keep the original engraving even if it is worn... IMO





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It’s not that it’s worn. It’s that they aren’t my initials:)

Does the research letter support those initials?





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Since any Parker I own is older than me, I'd rather change my name than change the initials on one of my guns.

If you decide that you cannot live with someone else's name on the oval, it can in most cases be filed/polished off and left blank. Or even re-engraved if you want. Some minor finish touchup may be required. It also depends on how deep the engraving is that needs to be removed.

Personally this is my opinion... if the engraving on it is original or of the period, then leave it. But if it was obviously done way later and is too modern looking in style, then maybe consider wiping it out.

I don't want to bring up old wounds... but remember the last time you trued to have someones name removed from a gun?

I would never, OH forget it.

Is removal and retention of the engraved oval an option? If it has proven provenance, it could be retained with the gun for the next custodian and a new one could be engraved with current custodian’s initials. I have some that were engraved and just left them. Cheers Jack

Joe:

Here is a photo of the engraved shield on the 12-gauge, 1 ½-frame, 1915-manufactured DHE that my father purchased from his sporting goods store buddy as a pre-owned piece about 55 years ago. I own the gun now.

I do not know who “S. F.” was, and my attempts at researching who he was have yielded nothing to-date.

But I would never consider effacing these initials. For me the engraved shield is inestimable art and history, and the initials of this unknown-to-me shooter or hunter imparts an element of mystique that is at the heart of what attracts me, as temporary steward, to these guns.

The initials are part of the history of the gun. They help tell the story even if it’s a mystery.