Metal insert on shotgun stock.
 

My father was a career Army infantry officer, WWII and Korean War veteran, who passed a few years ago and left me his gun collection which includes a Parker hammerless, side by side, that dates to 1904. It has a small (about the size of a quarter) oval shaped metal piece inlaid into the bottom of the stock between the end of the pistol grip and the butt, and it appears to have a name on it. This is not the small shield style insert I have seen referenced. Can anyone please tell me if that might be someone who perhaps did engraving work on the gun, or might it have been the owner for a custom order? Also, would that add or detract from the guns value? It is not a high end Parker as best I can tell, but by my translation of the markings appears to be a C or D grade with Titanic steel barrels (12 ga. I believe). Thanks for any help someone may be able to offer.

Rich,
If the gun has Titanic barrels, it is a DH. Does it have ejectors--then it would be a DHE. I have a DHE 16 with an oval in the bottom with the name/city of the man who ordered the gun. It is pretty standard on the higher grade guns. Sounds like you have a very nice gun.

Stock shield
 

A "D" grade or higher had an oval as you described in the place you described it. This was made of silver and was usually engraved by someone other than Parker Bros. unless requested upon ordering. A Parker letter from this association is available to members for $40.00 and well worth the price of membership. Using the font on the home page, it will prompt you to insert the serial # and will tell you if records are available. Sound like a nice gun and pics would help. Thanks and welcome, Jim D.

The engraving could be factory done, or after the fact by a later owner. Only a letter will tell you one way or another.

Why are you confused about the grade? It is either a D if it is marked D or 3 on the water table, and it may be a C if it is marked C or 4 on the water table. Both grades were made with Titanic Steel barrels. You may feel free to tell us what is engraved on the oval. The oval is factory equipment on these grades.

Unfortunately I don't have the shotgun in my presence, it's being stored for me . Also had Remington model 1894's, and in my old age I'm working from a bad memory to begin with on those with the "markings" plus about 40 other assorted rifles, shotguns and pistols so I just don't remember. While I do recall the oval, I had not seen it in photos, and was curious as to its purpose. I believe it had someone's name on it but again certainly don't recall what it was. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Richard