Grip cap
 

This is the cap on my #1 frame 16 gauge GH damascus gun.
Does this look original ?

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/9...46327dfe35.jpg
GHcap by Bonadurers, on Flickr

Thanks.

Yes

That appears to be an original Parker Bros. grip cap but is it the original one to the gun? What is the serial number of the gun? The one you show is the early version which was replaced in production with the one that has "Parker Bros. Meriden Conn."

That style of grip cap was used on Parker hammer guns and the first hammerless guns. When I say first, that means like the first 10 or more years of hammerless guns.

I checked TPS on grip caps and found that the early version of grip cap was introduced in about 1878 and was replaced by the later "Parker Bros. Meriden, Conn." cap in about 1888.
Shortly after WW I the rib inscription or "roll die" was changed from "Meriden, Conn." to Meriden, Ct." but the grip cap remained unchanged throughout the remainder of Parker Bros. production.

my 1899 16 gauge DH Damascus has the same.
ddp

Dwight's picture exemplifies the fact that Parker Bros. (as well as Remington, even after the move to Ilion) continued to use up old stock well after a new feature was adopted.

Many examples of Parkers with the old style grip cap can be found into the 1890s.

Thank you for the information. The gun dates to a 1905 mfr. but the buttstock is not the original, it dates to 1901 with the # 102242.
It seems like a pretty good fit to the gun. The shoulder end of the stock
is unfinished and has laminated leather attached about 3/4" total thickness
and missing a plate. I will post photos later to get recommedations how to
finish it. Thanks again.

Kind regards,

Jeff Bonadurer