Altered Serial Number
 

I got a research letter request from PGCA member Bernie Cross. His form indicates that it's a GH 12ga. with Damascus barrels, S/N 108639. The water table has the "G" S/N 108639 and the #2. The records show 108639 as a VH 12ga. with 30" Vulcan steel barrels. Bernie sent me pictures of all the S/N's that are visible. It looks to me like the xx8xxx has been altered on the water table, barrel lug, and forend. It looks like the original number was "8" and modified to be a "3". See the attached pictures.

I had Bernie lift up the trigger plate and see what was stamped in the wood. It was 103639 with a #2 which is correct. Also on the underside of the trigger guard tang is clearly 103639. My theory is that #108639 was mistakenly stamped on the water table, barrel lug, and forend upon manufacture and instead of scrapping the gun they decided to try and make the "8" look like a "3". The only other full S/N that I know of that is hidden from view is the S/N under the trigger guard tang which is correct 103639. I originally thought the engraved S/N on the tang was wrong but when I looked for examples of style, I found one in the Serialization Book and the stylized #3 matched so I believe that is the original S/N engraved on the tang.

Opinions wanted.

I'd like your opinion after looking at the pictures.

I say altered at the factory before being completed. If it was faked after the fact the original engraving on the trigger guard wouldn't read 108639...





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Never say never with Parkers

They were built by men.

I don't have it here. What does the serialization book show for 103639?

Neither guns are in there. The stock book is missing for these guns. The Serialization Book is based primarily on the stock books.

It appears the stamping die for the #3 was recut from a #8. If it were filed out on the gun I assume there would be a slight divot.

If that was the case, then why is the other 3 correct?

Post deleted.

It looks like the first three numbers were in a stamping die holder (they are perfectly aligned) and the last three were free struck. That would be a likely system to use to save time. Put the thousands series you are working on in a holder and free stamp the low numbers that change every gun.