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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.