More help need interpreting Parker records.
 

The Order Book says a gun is Grade 1. The Stock Book says the same gun is Grade 2. The gun was built as a Grade 2. Does anyone know the expanation as to why the Order Book describes the same gun completely different than the Stock Book? Thx, Ray

Might just be a mistake??

In actuality, what grade is the gun according to the stamp on the water table, the checkering pattern, and engraving motif?

Not sure where the mistake would be. Chuck has confirmed the difference in the stock and order books. So there is no mistake there.

Would be hard to believe that it was a production mistake since the order book describes a completely different gun than the stock book, but I guess anything is possible. It's one heck of a mistake!

Dean, it is a grade 2 Based on the factors you list

To clarify, the order book lists it as a Quality i 8ga with Laminated barrels. It lists $10 cheaper than the 8ga with Damascus barrels. The stock book lists it D2. Is a Quality i equivalent to a grade 2 gun but with cheaper Laminated barrels? It's possible that Parker didn't have any 8ga Laminated barrels at that time and substituted a grade 2 8ga gun. No one to ask at the factory, everyone's dead.

I'm too lazy now to check but tomorrow, I'll look for Laminated barrels in the stock book and hopefully the stock book will say Lam 1 or Lam 2.

In a hammer gun Laminated steel barrels are the mark of a Quality 1 gun. In the same time period (serial number range) Damascus steel barrels were the mark of Quality 2 and above guns.

Earlier I had asked about the checkering pattern and engraving motif and of the stamps on the water table. Does someone have the gun in their possession whereby he could answer these questions or provide pictures of these three aspects?

Dean, the water table is marked 2 and the checkering/engraving is that of a grade 2. It is grade 2 as built.

In my opinion then, it is a Grade 2 regardless of the barrel steel or what the Order Book shows. Simply a Grade 2 with Laminated Steel barrels.

Thx, Dean. I confused you. it actually has D2 barrels, not laminated. It was built as a grade 2 in all aspects. It is just the Order Book that says it was a Grade 1 with laminated barrels. The info in the order book doesn't match the stock book or gun in any respect.