D Grade Floor Plate Engraving

[Shep]

In looking at and owning a few D grades I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on the engraving on the floor plates. I have seen pheasant, ducks and what look like partridge. Is there any rhyme or reason to it? Maybe certain manufacture dates, the engravers choice or customer request? Not sure the date theory will apply as I have seen two guns both from the same year with different engraving. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[OH Osthaus]

don't forget the dogs

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by Ian Byrkit

and what look like partridge.

I believe those are Turnips.

I have six Ds of varying bores, and no two are alike. I have a 30" 12 and a 28" 20 that are only a few digits apart, and are not the same. One has four "pheasants", one walking, 3 flying; and the other two walking and two flying, though one of the walkers clearly looks like he intends to fly soon.

[Dean Romig]

I think it has more to do with the engraver and what was his 'fancy' when engraving a particular gun. "Hmm... shall I do pheasants today, or sharptails (just so people will argue over them someday) or maybe prarie chickens? I know, I'll engrave very fat-looking ducks that don't really look like ducks at all... more like turnips with wings!"

As long as they stayed within the parameters for the grade, e.g., the number of birds on the floor plate - a variation from that theme would likely have been a special order.


I think these are turnips, don't you?

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[Sheepherder]

Within the limits of the grade or a special order, I'd bet it was some what up to the engraver. Imagine engraving the same critters, day after day, week after week. Gawd, it would play on your mind and drive you nuts. Getting to change subjects now and then, would keep a person fresh and sharp.

[Dean Romig]

Most of the grade 3 hammerless Parkers had four birds on the floor plate, with the exception of the very earliest which may have had a dog or two, and a specially ordered engraving theme... but now it's getting up close to a grade 4...





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[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

I think these are turnips, don't you?

No, But I think these are

[Dean Romig]

That top one looks like a roasted turkey with outriggers






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[edgarspencer]

These two are separated by more than 30 years, but both share the technique of using the twelve point frame around the birds

[Shep]

Thanks for the great answers, pictures and a good laugh!