Thoughts on Shields and Ovals

[Alfred Houde]

What are the thoughts or opinions of engraving these with owner initials?

I recently obtained a second-hand Purdey (circa 1901), which has interesting prior ownership, but the oval remains blank. None of my Parkers have the shields engraved.

My Purdey is currently up at G&H having minor work done. I was thinking of having my last name initial engraved onto the oval, since I am the fourth known owner and plan to eventually give it to my son.

[OH Osthaus]

I just redid the stock on a VH- someone had lightly scratched initials in the shield (so lightly they came out when I went over the stock with 400 grit paper - I think that is the only one I have ever had with them

I am always a little surprised no one has put them on over the years - but then again - neither have I

as far as adding yours to your gun, its your gun for now - why not

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

I probably wouldn't do it to a vintage Parker. I love it when I get a vintage Parker with provenance engraving on the shield.
I did do it on my Parker Repro duck gun.

[B. Dudley]

Shields and ovals are something that were installed on all parkers (except) trojan grade, for the purpose of personalized engraving by either the factory or later on down the line. But a vast majority of them were never engraved and still are not.

I do not think that a name or initials engraved on the shield that is of the period is really too much of a value detractor from a collector standpoint. If anything, it supports provanance if there may be any.

I own a JP Sauer Mauser sporting rifle that was owned by a US congressman From Minnesota who was also a third generation member of the Pilsbury Bakery family.
I would not have even known it was his rifle if it were not for his name engraved in the stock oval.

I would say that having your name engraved in the shild now is a bit different than it being done back when, but who cares, if you want to do it, then go ahead.

[Jeff Christie]

I think engraved shields add interest in the gun. My great grandfathers DHE has his initials and home town engraved. I would like to think that here in Iowa it would be returned if he left it somewhere.

[Sheepherder]

I've had the ovals, on both my (1950s) 12ga. Webley & Scott and my 20ga. Parker Repro., engraved with my initials by Geoffroy Gournet. I couldn't be happier, his work is outstanding.
I am the first owner of both guns and figure why not let someone in the future know I was here. Hope it will be a family member!
I understand shield or ovals can have the initials buffed off and changed, but I wouldn't do that if somebody owned the gun first. Unless they had scratched them in with a dull nail.

[Phil Yearout]

Here's a dumb question: are the shields removed before engraving or engraved on the stock?

[B. Dudley]

Engraved on the stock.

[JJ Roberts]

I've done more game bird heads on shields and ovals,quail,woodcock,grouse,duck,geese and some time Monograms initials in scrip. J.J.

[Jack Kuzepski]

I have an early LC Smith Quality 2 transitional gun with the owners name, city and state engraved on a gold shield. It's the only gun I own that has anything personalized on it and I really like it. All the rest of my guns including Parkers have blank shields.

Jack Kuzepski