Stocks Serial Numbered?

[John Higgins]

A collector friend shared that inspecting several of his Parker’s revealed that they had matching serial numbers on the stocks. I’ve looked through numerous Parker books and could not find a reference for this. Does anyone know if the factory stamped serial numbers inside the butt stocks?

[ED J, MORGAN]

Usually yes

[Gerald McPherson]

Sure did under the trigger guard.

[John Higgins]

Thank you! I thought I could find a reference for this however when I couldn’t I questioned if this was a factory practice. Good to know.

[B. Dudley]

Every factory made Parker stock is stamped with the serial number and the grade number and in very rare occasions, the stock makers initials. The forends are stamped with the serial number under the iron. Snd on later guns, the grade number under the forend latch.

The lack of a serial number in this area would be a sure indication of restock or alteration of some sort.

But just because a number is there, does not mean completely sure that it is factory. Anyone with a set of number stamps can use them.