What are the initials in the shield? Engraving is special, nice gun, Gary

I was wondering when you would show up....:rotf: A graded hammer gun, I thought it was a $175 to $200 gun, but I was waiting for you to say, and you ask about the initials on the shield....:shock: Come on Gary, what do you think the grade is ?

IMHO the engraving was done by the same engraver who engraved so many of the higher quality lifters of the time, such as Gary's 'Cow Gun', 'Chicken Theif Gun', and others we have seen

I'm pretty sure they are W.C.D.G.

Thanks guys for all the information. I'm thinking about doing a full restoration, any thoughts on that idea?

See you in Las Vegas!!

that is an eternal question only you can answer

Personally - I like it as a survivor with well earned wear

Clearly 1860's Civil War era Union Calvary officers dress. By the mid 1870's the boots were shorter and the hat had changed to either a cap or the formed style rather than a slouch hat.

Of course that change in uniform standards would not prevent a veteran of the Civil War from requesting pictorial engraving of an earlier uniform style. I wonder if a veteran had come into money post war and wanted his nice high end Parker to commemorate glory days riding with Sheridan or Custer.

The more I study this gun the more convinced I am that my first impression of this gun being a grade 3 gun is wrong. I am thinking grade 4. What a great gun.

Dave can you explain why you think it is a grade 4? Just tryin to learn. Thanks Craig

c
Craig, A few things jump out at me. The four pin locks are found only on grade 3 and higher guns. The D4 stamp on the barrels is a clue.Also the chain engraving on the boarders is typical of grade 4 guns. And lastly the the style and shape of the barrels bolsters and hammers are very reminiscent of a couple of grade four lifters I have inspected.

Xxx - deleted - typo posted.