Opinion On This Stock

[Donald Holmes]

Good morning all,

I purchased this GH 12 gauge about 11 years ago from a used gun shop. It is mechanically sound, and I have hunted with it, using light 1 oz loads. You will see it is well used; the colors are gone, the checkering is smooth, the engraving is worn. I'm thinking of refinishing the stock and forearm wood, including re-cutting the checkering, something I have some limited experience with as I have done similar work on a Fox Sterlingworth and a Baker Gun. As I have examined this stock I realize that the wood and finish of the stock and forearm are different. I have a research letter. It was shipped to a gentleman in New Hampshire Sept 1895. In October 1895 (one month later!) the shotgun was returned to the factory to restock (price $5). In May 1896 it was again returned to the factory to take out dents and reblue ($1). It was returned once again in March 1899 to install a new rubber butt and "make LH shoot best can" ($2). This amusing history brings up so many questions, but the one I would like opinion on for today is about the stock. It seems to me that the wood of this stock is not of the usual G grade quality in figure, and the checkering is poorly done (not a normal pattern for GH, no borders, just sloppy). This would make me think that in the last 125 years it was restocked one more time, as I think that Parker would not send back that kind of work. I welcome your insight, comments, opinion, or conjecture.

[George "Scott" Davis]

One of our own PGA members is right here in the valley: Chris Robenalt. I'll bet he can re-cut your checking and finish the stock to look very nice. I don't have enough experience to evaluate whether the stock is G Grade quality.

[Dean Romig]

Donald, I agree with your assessment completely.





.

[B. Dudley]

The butt is not original. The forend is.

That stock would not be worth the effort or expense of having it refinished. If you want to do it yourself for the same of playing around, then fine. But dont throw good money at it.

Just my opinion.

[charlie cleveland]

looks like a good shooter stock to me....fix or leave as is....it s your stock....charlie

[Donald Holmes]

Thank you for your assessments. That has been my evaluation of this shotgun since I purchased it; it has been used a lot, it is still perfectly serviceable, and I like carrying it. It will be a fun project to pretty it up a bit.

[OH Osthaus]

I have a very early DH that has a similar story in the letter - shipped - a few years later sent back for repairs - 25 years passed and again sent by another owner - this time to open chokes and restock - eventually it ends up in my hands - the stock it wears now is not Parker work - but it fits me - has dropped many birds -so it stays with it history intact

[jeffery c]

Does the stock have a serial number stamped under the triggerguard?

[Donald Holmes]

No serial number under the trigger guard.