I have enlarged the picture of the oval as big as I could and I don't see any evidence of engraving on it.... What are you seeing??

I cant remember if the pictures I posted show it, but the trigger guard has initials engraved on it.

Tha trigger guard tang should only have "No 111805" engraved on it. If the trigger guard bow has initials engraved on it please show us a picture of that.

Will do when I get home friday...

Dane, you have a great gun there. Please join the PGCA, the letter everyone is talking about is $40.00 as a member vs. $100.00 for non menbers. The benifits are great, the knowledge is amazing as you have been witness to on this thread.
There are a bunch of great people here with lots to teach us.
Enjoy the great gun.

If you join you get to see what is in the for sale section. WARNING THIS SITE IS ADDICTIVE.

Here are the I initials.

Very unusual! Thank you for posting that picture. Generally the initials would have been engraved on the oval shield in the stock but that one is a bit "off the charts".

It would be interesting to see if a research letter would mention those initials or the name of the original owner.

Letter request sent, I will let you guys know what info I get back.

Dane, I hope you have joined the PGCA for only $40. That way the letter will only cost you an additional $40.... otherwise, non-members pay $100 for a research letter...

Do the math and save $20.

Yes, in my envelope I included a form for membership + check and form for research letter + check. It only makes sense!

IHS= In Hoc Signum (By this Sign?) latin interpretation might be off somewhat, but what the heck.

Was your grandfather a religious man?

J.H.S.

Research Letter --->http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10141

Just too some better pictures. Album is here http://parkerguns.org/forums/album.php?albumid=435

My DH was made in 1902 number 113506. the engraving had to be done by the same man. Same pattern on the barrels. The stock could have come the same tree. Mind is not a trap gun., but is fun to shoot. Hope to bust some doves with it in Sept. Enjoy your DH it was made to shoot. Dan

WOW You hit the jackpot with that letter. Matches the gun exactly.

My vote would be Batchelder's. I had my grandfather's 16 vh restocked by DelGregos some years back and had to send the gun back several times, bedding material oozed out of the frame, base plate screws had to be replaced and timed properly etc, etc. Lawrence was fine to deal with and the final product was satisfactory but I didn't expect to have to return the gun for corrective work. I've had Brad work on a number of guns and he and Lori are great to work with. I know others have had good experiences with DelGregos, only reflecting my experience. No piling on please.