5509 is too early to have a matted rib as described in Ward's write-up on the gun.
I own 5949 which is a D-grade lifter with 30" barrels and no matting on the rib, just the Parker Bros. (etc.) rib legend.
We often see barrels longer than the records show on some of these older Parkers - usually up to 1/4" or so longer so 30 1/2" may be original... but with a matted rib, originality of the barrels comes into question.
A research letter might address if the barrels had been replaced...
It is Parker's lowest grade for the period and the lack of checkering is quite normal.
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__________________
"I'm a Setter man.
Not because I think they're better than the other breeds,
but because I'm a romantic - stuck on tradition - and to me, a Setter just "belongs" in the grouse picture."
George King, "That's Ruff", 2010 - a timeless classic.
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