GH Damascus engraving questions

[Tom Hawkins]

This gun is serial #78176 is a 1 frame 30" gun. My questions are was it common for initials to be placed in this spot, and what are the order of the initials. I will get a letter when Chuck gets better but will take any help I can get. It needs a little work but is a nice gun.

Thanks

Tom

[Dean Romig]

Where the W appears to be more pronounced I think it is the surname initial. The other two look like a G for certain and an O but who knows which order they would be in. A Letter may reveal the secret as the engraving appears to be very similar to some originals I have seen on other Parkers.

The location however, is extremely unusual and makes one think it couldn't be factory engraving because of the fact that the gun is a Grade 2 and the gun would very likely have been in stock waiting to fill an order. In that case, if a gun was to be engraved with the buyer's initials, there was a place for that.... on the shield on the stock - quick and easy - no muss no fuss, and ship it.

[Tom Hawkins]

The usual scroll work in that area isn't there. I have other guns that have engraved shields with the same type of engraving. I guess a letter is the answer. Thanks again Dean.


Tom

[B. Dudley]

Don't I see a hint of the scroll above the trigger plate and behind the forend connection? They both appear to run into the monogram, which would suggest aftermarket engraving, or being done after the normal engraving would be done at the factory.

It is very interesting though. A letter would be the key to answering this.

[Bill Murphy]

Am I mistaken, or are the initials way off center?

[Tom Hawkins]

The gun was at an angle in the picture. You can photographer to my list of stuff that needs work.


Tom