Early Grade Stamping in wood

[Brian Dudley]

I found something interesting on a very early high grade Parker in the early 3,000 serial number range. As with many of these early guns, it can be difficult to tell for sure of the exact grade. In looking at the engraving and other features of the gun, one would think it is a $200 grade or higher for sure. Gun has full tear drops on the bolsters and very nice billnote style engraving.

When I checked in the usual places for Serial number stamps, I found something interesting on both the buttstock and the forend. A number "4" stamped in both pieces. Likely a grade stamp? In looking at the early grade price lists in TPS, it has hard to tell what one may translate a number 4 to be in a dollar amount.

The forend is also marked with the Foster makers mark as mentioned as being common on early guns according to TPS.

37900

37901

[Dean Romig]

A distinct possibility but if it was a 'grade' stamp it would have been an internal code that only Parker Bros. employees knew about because there were no advertised number or letter grades at the time.

[Brian Dudley]

That's what I was thinking.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Could it signify a grade of walnut that was used?

[Dean Romig]

That's a good possibility too Gary.

[Todd Kaltenbach]

One of my guns in the 3000 range has a 3 in similar spots but also has the serial number.

[Todd Kaltenbach]

Here is the forend. The 3 is hard to see but it's to the left of the hole.

[Brian Dudley]

Todd,
And what type of grade is your gun?

[Todd Kaltenbach]

It's probably not a $200 grade gun I would guess it's the next lower grade but with the early guns it's hard to say for sure. The only info in the book was that it was completed on October 22, 1874. Look it over and give me your opinion.

[Brian Dudley]

A higher grade for sure, but lower than the one I posted about with 4 stamping. And the serial number of that gun is within a dozen of yours.

[Todd Kaltenbach]

Since this one is a lower grade and it's stamped with a 3 it supports the idea of a grade designation. It is of course impossible to ever know for sure. I also own 3285, it is a higher grade than this gun but it has no numbers stamped in the wood, not even a serial number.

[Dean Romig]

Often the layout and checkering pattern of the forend can give the best clue as to dollar grade or grade number.
Do you have pictures of the forend checkering?

[Larry Frey]

Todd,
The carving of the bolsters or lack there of is a good indication of the grade of these early guns. It changed a little over time with the top grade having a full tear-drop and each lower grade having a little less. I have a copy of some drawings of the bolsters from these early guns and the C grade equivalent had a small point at the back of the bolster which your gun dose not. My guess would be that you have a Grade 3 (D grade) equivalent of the early Dollar grade guns.

[Dean Romig]

I agree with Larry concerning the sculpting of the bolster indicative of a Grade 3 or D Grade. However, there are contradictions to this 'rule' and Tom Latham's 20 ga lifter, which is a lower, possibly lowest grade, has the same sculpting.

[Jean Swanson]

Let me throw a little curve in the mix!!!

Maybe an individual ordered several high grade guns at on time ,not necessarily consecutive serial numbered ????? The wood was numbered to keep the fore end with the butt stock, who knows the reason-----no one today has a positive definitive answer. It is all conjecture !!!

Allan

[Dean Romig]

No one today has a positive definitive answer. It is all conjecture !!!

Allan

I agree Allan - it is all conjecture but we're trying to find some kind of "common denominator" in the hope of finding a more conclusive answer. Even if we find it.... we still won't be able to prove it beyond the shadow of a doubt, but we might find something we can all agree is probably the answer.

[Brian Dudley]

Of course. Just like my theory that Parker was stamping frame sizes under the trigger plates on frames for a small range of serial numbers. All we can do is report these odd findings and speculate on what they may mean.