D Grade Pistol Grip Cap

[Ian Byrkit]

Did Parker put these on D grades out of the factory? I have always seen the cap marked Meriden.

[Dean Romig]

All grades below Grade 5 and above Trojan had this cap before the Meriden cap.

The Meriden cap was phased in in the late 1890's - for a more precise year consult The Parker Story.

What is the serial number on your DH? That is a very nice one.






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[Garth Gustafson]

You have the earlier style raised checkered panel grip cap. These were redesigned and replaced with the Meriden style caps starting about 1888. My 1897 GH has the same cap as yours.

[Ian Byrkit]

This one is on a 1902 gun, do you think it was a replacement or original?

[Dean Romig]

Just my HO but I would say it is original, judging by the condition of the gun.

Just like the fishtail top lever, they were pretty frugal and were probably just using up old stock.






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[Garth Gustafson]

You've got a great looking gun there.

[Ian Byrkit]

Dean, that is 103098.

[Dave Suponski]

That grip cap is correct for a 1902 gun.

[Brian Dudley]

It was used into the very early 1900s. I cannot say what the cutoff is for sure. Maybe around 1905.

[Bruce Day]

It was used into the very early 1900s. I cannot say what the cutoff is for sure. Maybe around 1905.

I have a 1910 C 16 with the old style grip cap and no lug bite wear plate. Oddities.

[Garth Gustafson]

Interesting that Parker continued to use the old style grip cap for so many years. Do we know what is the earliest date for a Parker with the Meriden grip cap?

[Brian Dudley]

Well, it wasn't "old" until there was a "new" version. And then, I am sure that inventory was being used up for a period.

[Dean Romig]

About 6 or 7 years ago KTP had a .410 late Remington era skeet gun original in every respect that had a Meriden grip cap.






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