The one in the bottom third of the butt was for the patented hickory rod reinforcement through the wrist or grip of the stock.
It was usually used on the more figured wood found on higher grade Parkers and it is not especially uncommon.
Any plugs above that one were used to remove or add weight for balance.
.
__________________
"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.
|