Allan, Why refinish the stock? That gun is as honest as the day is long. Far better than anyone deserves for that price, and the stock finish appears very good. Refinish it and it will scream " look at me compared to my metalhead neighbors". There are lots of things a gunsmith will do when asked, but sometimes telling you not to do something isn't one of them. Value won't be higher, and possibly lower.

Edgar, let me post a better and fuller picture of the stock or better yet I can bring it to the show today and let you see it in real time. Would that be better? I plan to leave here around 9 am and would expect to be at the Convention Center around 11:30. George tells m he's got a court date (what's he being charged with now one wonders?) this morning and expects to arrive God willing around noon or so. He's also asked me to bring the BHE (for display only).

Good idea. I may even have a good pad.
As George and I are setting up, and traveling together (Kristie has arranged for this old cripple to have a parking spot at the loading dock.)

stock photos
 

closer pics of the stock. The stock was apparently cut in order to fit mrs. Henry Tenney (it was her gun) and pad installed. no pad remains today except spacer. LOP measures about 13 inches and I need at least 14 1/2 (15 would be even better but I don't want the stock to look like one big recoil pad attached to some wood!). My concern. This is not going to be a safe queen but a shooter to use and leave to one of my grandsons. Legacy is imprtant to me.

Allen, listen to Edgar. There is nothing wrong with that stock. Just leave it. It just needs a nice period correct pad. Maybe even with a pad installed the LOP my be a little short but that can be corrected with a slip on pad.

When I see you Sat to get the dekes I will bring a unused two ply Jostam pad. If it fits, it is yours.

Ok Frank and thanks. Suggest you get here in the morning - early is better as they are forecasting 3-6 " snow starting in the afternoon with heavier amounts along the south coast which means us, argh! thank God for snowblowers though!

If you get here by 10 am or so (earlier is ok too as we are early risers) you'k be fine.

3-6" ? That's just a dusting.

Allan, If the gun left Meriden with a pad on it, it would not have had a widows peak, and the pull to the end of the wood was probably right where you are now. I doubt it was cut, as what you have plus a proper Hawkins or Jostam pad would be exactly where Parker advertised guns to measure.