Lefever used imported walnut on all their guns and they advertised as so.

Thanks for the correction Brian.





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Dean that's a good explanation and it makes sense. I've been told that it's everything from American walnut, English, Circassian etc.

By the way I don't wear pajamas:eek:

But low grade guns that are even earlier than the subject ones have walnut on them that looks like modern American walnut... huh.

Sorry, I should have been more specific on the earlier ones... I was referring to Grade 2 guns. Lower than Grade 1 guns (early) were stocked with straight grain American black Walnut. Grade 1 Parkers had American Black with a bit of figure but Grade 2 guns generally had American black with good figure but mostly on one side with the figure on the other side less pronounced.

I'm sure I've left something out....





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Craig, you might try to letter that gun. I have a Damascus GHE that was stocked with English Walnut and a skeleton butt installed. The letter confirms this.

This stock very much resembles Craigs Top Gun pictured and it is an early PH Grade ! It is serialed to the gun , I would bet American Black Walnut !

True of all walnut species, the very best grain, for eye appeal, comes from the root ball of the tree, and not above ground at crotch points.

Also don't forget that in a manufacturing situation,you sometimes have to use what materials are available.If you have to get the gun shipped and lower grade wood is not available and better wood is,you put the better wood on the gun and ship it.I had a VHE that had wood that should have been on at least a B grade.It was not special ordered.I am sure the boss said get it out the door no matter what.Remember that wood and engraving are the least expensive elements of the gun.

on a PH/NH you are probably right

not sure I would agree about the engraving cost as a flat statement - at least on higher grades

i think it is a significant factor is the increase in price as you go up the grade ladder