Also, usually, if the persons name has a suffix, you see the FML suffix, arrangement.

I have a theory,i.e.

Allan Harry Swanson
If the initials are the same height size, plainly written as AHS, then the S would be in the middle--- engraved ASH

Now if the same initials are written with a period after each letter---A.H.S.the engraving would be A.H.S.---THE DIFFERENCE IS THE PERIODS.

What say ye !!

Allan

Note Dean,s example---THE PERIODS

Could be....

And note in Dave's example, the 4 dots are put there simply for correct spacing of the 3 letters. There are also dots before the first letter and after the last.





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I have this VH 16 with initials in the shield, I bought the gun because it has my dad’s initials

I would agree with that.

that's Monogram Vs initials

yes

And Allan's 'period' theory prevails.





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I found this monogram maker on the internet. It shows a lot of interesting possibilities.

It could provide some ideas.

I would suggest if you are doing this to ensure the gun can be traced back to you, make it as easy and unmistakable to read as possible. We’ve seen many a debate on these pages as to how a certain group of initials should be interpreted and read. Probably the least ambiguous way would be to have someone like Geoffroy Gournet engrave Allan H. Swanson. That leaves little room for doubt as to who’s name is on the gun. I have a 10 gauge done like that. I’ll try to find a pic of the shield.