Serial number stamp
 

Hello all. I am new to the forum and am in the process of buying a VH. The gun is beautiful but when inspecting the serial numbers the numbers don’t align on the forearm. Is it possible a bad stamp from the factory or tampering? Four of the numbers align but two aren’t so clear. I have attached images.
Thank you!

I can see your concern. That looks a little suspect to me.

If you are not buying it as a "collector" piece and plan on shooting or hunting with it and the gun is solid, don't worry about it.

Or did the Parker craftsman have a beer (or two) with lunch that day? Not minimizing your concern....just guessing, if all the other numbers match.

How is the fit of the forearm iron to the receiver? If it is right on, that number stamp is quite possibly a factory error.

There have plenty of examples of factory mis-stampings. They were made by men. And men make plenty of mistakes.
The fit and finish should be looked at for sure.
Also, the wood, the latch, latch lever and tip will all also have the number stamped on them. So if you can take the forend apart, that will tell you a lot more.