1890 "P" grade question

[Gary Cripps]

Were all stocks stamped with the serial number under trigger guard? I bought a hammerless P grade 12 ga. ser. # 63391 last evening that I think has a replacment stock. When I turned the trigger guard there was no number. It has 30" Twist bbls. that gauge IC and Mod. and seems in good condition otherwise.

[Dean Romig]

I don't think anyone can tell you with certainty that "all stocks were stamped with the serial number under the trigger guard". We don't know that to be the case. Certainly the vast majority were but it makes sense that some were not stamped...

[Chuck Bishop]

Gary, how about posting some pictures of the stock, especially the nose of the comb, checkering, and the DHBP if it has one (it should have the widow's peak.)

[Brian Dudley]

The Stock should be stamped under the guard, at leat this is the rule of thumb. They may be hard to read, but they will be there. Also, the last 3 digits of the S/N should be written under the buttplate.
As Dean stated, just becasue it is not there, doesn't mean that it is not original. But it is however, an indication that it might not be.

[tom leshinsky]

It should also have the small shield on the bottom and mullered borders on the checkering.

[Gary Cripps]

Here are some pictures. Have and will appreciate your comments.
Gary13804

13805

13806

13807

13808

[Dave Suponski]

Gary, The stock looks to me to be non-factory original.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Gary, I have to agree with Dave, Has a repair been done to the head of the stock? checkering in that area on a lower grade is usually not done.

[Gary Cripps]

I'm afraid you have me on that description. Is that different than a replacement (?? piece of junk)? The checkering looks uneven (from side to side) and there is no shield. The metal is slightly proud of the wood at the head. The dogs head butt plate fits well. The stock is sound throughout.
(Some things the pictures do not show.)

The seller is 78 and said his father bought the gun for him when he was 12. He said it has had the same stock as long as he has owned it. He thought his father bought it from a used car dealer ( may explain a few things).
Gary

[Bill Zachow]

Gary--it's a replacement. A number of things give it away: 1) no serial number 2) the shape of the nose 3) the checkered cheeks and finally 4) the evidence of carving. Under the buttplate as well a the lack of a widow's peak on the buttwood.

[Brian Dudley]

Replacement for sure. For all reasons mentioned above. One thing that they did do right was the dual pins for the grip cap. That first pic is about the only thing that looks right. If the metal is proud of the wood, tehre is not really any hope for this one.

[Dean Romig]

But sometimes a stock head can be steamed or soaked to swell the wood.