New to me Parker Grade V with questions...

[dan dwyer]

Hello to all. I am new to this forum though a member on numerous others including Colt, Smith and Wesson, Luger, P.38 and many more. The purpose of this thread is to ask a question about 1 of 2 Parker's I recently acquired. As shown in photos, I have a 1901 shotgun, Grade V with matching serial numbers. My question regards the butt stock. As can be seen, the carving on the stock is not traditional. Also the grip cap is also carved and different. Was this configuration offered by Parker or is it aftermarket? Looks to be old. Also, if new original, how negatively does it affect the value? Gun has Vulcan steel barrels. Thanks in advance for any input...Dan

[OH Osthaus]

It is unlikely to be Parker work (never say never) and any custom option would be unlikely on a V grade

I do not think it would add to value

[Ed Blake]

It's not Parker work, rest assured. What sort of treatment does the butt have?

[B. Dudley]

The semi-good news is that might be able to be salvaged and made right again. Hard to tell for sure by the photos, but if the carving does not get too close to the meal parts, the wood could be taken down some and original style checkering recut.
The grip cap is not correct either, but that could most likely be replaced with the right one too.

By the look of the comb and how fat the grip looks, I would wager that the buttstock might be a replacement. Again, just a guess based on what I see.

[John Farrell, Charter Member #33]

Obviously, a bit of work by an individualist that wanted to be noticed. At the same time, the gouge work would be easier to clean than line checkering. The color contrast added is also a standout in the crowd.

[Bill Murphy]

The grip cap is of a design that was used in the "early days". Before the grip checkering is changed by our recommendation, you should send pictures of the forend and butt treatment. Personally, I think the grip checkering is very characteristic of folk art and should not be "hidden" or "covered up". On a V Grade, it should be left in place as an example of what it is, great folk art.

[wayne goerres]

the pistol grip cap looks like the ones they put on belguim guns. This stile was very popular on belguim and german shotguns around the turn of the twenty century.

[dan dwyer]

Thanks to all. I know practically nothing about these fine old guns but I do not plan to change the butt stock or alter. I agree with Bill and really think it is great. I suppose value is affected negatively but so be it.

[Dean Romig]

If that's the same gun... you have a forend from a Grade-3 or higher and a Trojan buttplate.

[charlie cleveland]

i agree with bill...its a nice gun as it is just enjoy it... charlie