Yes I see them . Still a nice gun and the toes aint bad either !

Thanks, John. Now I can see them.

Can anyone tell me if the "initial plate" on the bottom side of the butt is typically factory original or after-market?

Original

Stephen, I have aDHE in 12 ga that has initials engraved on the stock chevron. Since I purchased it several years ago I don't know the original owner. Could anyone tell us if this was done at the factory for special orders.

Yes it was, it would be noted in the Order Book

I don't see my photos anymore. I don't remember what happened but I will try to get them back up.

In any event there's more I need help with if anyone is willing!

This shotgun was given to my grandfather by his grandfather and my grandfather was told by his grandfather that this gun originally belonged to immediate family of W.F. (Buffalo Bill) Cody.

It has the initials "MDC" plated on the stock. I recently researched the Cody family and noticed that May Cody Decker was Buffalo Bills sister and took care of him during his last days. They were very close.

I also researched descendants and found that there were, at the time, and are still a number of Cody descendants that lived and vacationed around where my great-great grandfather lived (family reunions were held in the same town).

I then requested authentication for the gun and on the letter it indicated it was "for a lady - short top - long style" and was ordered from Abercrombie and Fitch in NYC. As you may know, Buffalo Bill frequented NYC and had the wild west show there.

Something tells me this gun was bought by Buffalo Bill for his sister and later on ended up belong to my great-great grandfather through descendants of Cody but that's just speculation. Does anyone have any suggestions as to firming up the provenance?

...I am not looking to increase its value (the gun is not and won't be for sale) although I know the value would likely increase if my speculation becomes fact. I appreciate history and simply hope to try to find out more and I'm sure there are some gun and history buffs that would like to know as well. Thank you!

Have you checked with Bob Beach for a search of the Abercrombie and Fitch records? What is the serial number of this gun?

Give the S/N. I have G&H's database on Parkers

158916

Doesn't show up in the Abercrombie and Fitch list. Order a PGCA letter.

I did order the PGCA letter and that's what referenced the request for the gun to be built to fit a lady. There were no references to any names.

What is G&Hs database?

Griffin & Howe. Bob Beach is the keeper of the G&H records and produces one heck of a great research letter.

Griffin & Howe has the records of sale from Abercrombie & Fitch and Von Lengerke & Detmold. Parker sold many guns to those sporting goods dealers. I have G&H's database on Parker's they have records on. I check their db on every letter I do. If I get a hit, I advise you to contact Bob Beach at G&H.

George - they were in an album but i do not see that album in the list any longer