Have We Seen This Before?
 

This 20-gauge DHE-Grade 20-gauge showed up on GI today. I've not seen this marking before --

Attachment 85325

I cannot quite make out exactly what the stamp is. It does not look familiar.

Looks like it says "L" over "DG" which could be Lawrence Del Grego?

If anyone working on any of my guns intended to permanently mark it in such a manner he had better ask my permission beforehand... to which my reply would be “PERMISSION NOT GRANTED!”






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I had a 12 gauge VH which I was told was Del Grego restored. It had that same mark on the barrel flat (same placement, also). My buddy has the gun now.

Turnbull has marked some guns. Del Grego's website doesn't mention marking. Anyone know?

Xxx

I am pretty sure There was a time when Doug offered a discount off the bill if the customer would allow a mark to be put on the gun. On Parkers I believe that it was a small DT down in the well of the frame. Where the barrel lug goes in. He does not do this or offer it anymore.

I do not know about Delgrego marks. But the subject stamp may be evidence of it happening at one time.

I thought Delgrego marks were tiger striped case coloring and sharp comb flutes. So why bother putting your initials on it when your work can be spotted a mile away.

About 20 years ago I had Doug Turnbull do an upgrade for me on an 0 frame 16ga from a VHE to an AHE that was correct in every way, he marked the water table “ Reproduction by Turnbull”. No discount was offered or even mentioned.

Years ago (1990s?), when I was considering a restoration by Turnbull, I bought a video tape from them which demonstrated the whole process of metal preparation and finishing. At that time they were offering a 10% discount to customers who would allow a small DT to be stamped on the gun.

Prior to Remington sharing the Parker records there were bogus Parker sold as originals the one I remember best was a Parker Invincible sold as an original in the late 70's. Unfortunately for the purveyor the original wood was discovered and legal action ensued. I believe at that time Doug was a 3 man shop including himself working from his fathers gun shop. I'm sure at that time the marks protected his reputation and reduced any liability.

We would like to hear more of "that story".

Some years ago I saw an upgraded Ansley H. Fox 20-gauge at the California Side-by-Side that had a DTR marking on the watertable.

Sure that wasn't the fake Czar Parker?

I wonder if the faked high-grades have all been “outed” yet?





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I can confirm that Turnbull offered a 10% discount on total restorations in exchange for stamping a small capital D with a T inside it on the action. This was in the early 2000's. Mine was an LC Smith Trap Grade and the stamp appeared on the water table (or action flats if you prefer). I always thought it was appropriate as a way to value the restoration and prevent it from being marketed as original. JMHO.

Dave I think you are correct it was the fake Czars gun. At 74 the memory could be better. Bill I don't care if you believe " the story" or not but I notice Dave seems to recall some of the facts about that gun. The purveyor of that gun is still alive and has been a friend for more than 30 years