Early Grade Stamping in wood

[B. Dudley]

I found something interesting on a very early high grade Parker in the early 3,000 serial number range. As with many of these early guns, it can be difficult to tell for sure of the exact grade. In looking at the engraving and other features of the gun, one would think it is a $200 grade or higher for sure. Gun has full tear drops on the bolsters and very nice billnote style engraving.

When I checked in the usual places for Serial number stamps, I found something interesting on both the buttstock and the forend. A number "4" stamped in both pieces. Likely a grade stamp? In looking at the early grade price lists in TPS, it has hard to tell what one may translate a number 4 to be in a dollar amount.

The forend is also marked with the Foster makers mark as mentioned as being common on early guns according to TPS.

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[Dean Romig]

A distinct possibility but if it was a 'grade' stamp it would have been an internal code that only Parker Bros. employees knew about because there were no advertised number or letter grades at the time.

[B. Dudley]

That's what I was thinking.

[Hammer Gun]

Could it signify a grade of walnut that was used?

[Dean Romig]

That's a good possibility too Gary.

[Todd K.]

One of my guns in the 3000 range has a 3 in similar spots but also has the serial number.

[Todd K.]

Here is the forend. The 3 is hard to see but it's to the left of the hole.

[B. Dudley]

Todd,
And what type of grade is your gun?

[Todd K.]

It's probably not a $200 grade gun I would guess it's the next lower grade but with the early guns it's hard to say for sure. The only info in the book was that it was completed on October 22, 1874. Look it over and give me your opinion.

[B. Dudley]

A higher grade for sure, but lower than the one I posted about with 4 stamping. And the serial number of that gun is within a dozen of yours.