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

[Rick Losey]

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?

[Brian 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]

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

[dan dwyer]

Thanks Dean, it is the same gun. I noticed for the first time that the forend serial is #62415 which is 1891 mfg. date. Barrel and receiver match at 102120 which is 1901. I guess I have a Frankenstein gun. Also, I guess value is decreased with incorrect forend and butt plate. I knew the butt plate was incorrect.

[Brian Dudley]

Dan,

What you have there is a shooter.

[dan dwyer]

Thanks again. Shooter is a bit sobering but it is what it is. Any guess as to a value range?

[Brian Dudley]

Dan,

Check out my thread on my PH with the brass plates on the wrist. Very similar to your gun in that it is a sort of folk art modification. But it is a nice shooting gun that can be hunted with.

Most shooter VH's will start in the $500 range and go up from there depending on the buyer.

[Bill Murphy]

What is 62,415? I am packed for the Annual Meeting and my book in in the truck. What grade is the forend?

[Patrick Lien]

What is 62,415? I am packed for the Annual Meeting and my book in in the truck. What grade is the forend?

D3 12 gauge with 30" barrels and PG stock.

Patrick

[David Holes]

Its a D3 hammerless for sure.

[Craig Parker]

Bill,
Grade 3

Craig

[dan dwyer]

Well, let me try to summarize what we believe I have. Barrels are VH grade along with receiver which have matching numbers, the butt plate is Trojan, the forearm is Grade 3, the butt stock is not original and would classify as folk art and the grip cap is German or Belgium. Wow. What would account for the various parts? Would it most likely be from some time last century when someone had an original gun with cracked stocks and pulled parts from other shotguns just to have a complete gun? Oddly, when I hold this gun, it really feels and looks good. It lets off a good vibe.

[Brian Dudley]

The buttplate may not actually be from a Trojan. It is just Trojan style. Many other manufacturers used a serated style buttplate. Does the buttplate have a curve to it?

Hey, if it fits and handles well and everything works, shoot it!

[dan dwyer]

No, butt plate is not curved (from top to bottom). On the width, it tapers slightly on outer edges. Thanks for continued input.

[Bill Murphy]

The grip cap is a style that was available to American gunsmiths in the early 20th century. I have had older guns with this type of replacement grip caps.

[Brian Dudley]

Then the buttplate is most likely not an actual Trojan plate if it is not curved. This type of buttplate was used on Many different guns. LC Smith, Ithaca, Savage/Stevens, Fox, etc... Not to mention several aftermarket plates too.