CHECKERED BUTTSTOCKS

George Lander · 01-09-2011, 11:30 PM

What percentage of Parker guns, D Grade & higher, left Meridan with checkered butt stocks rather than skeleton butt plates? Was this an option offered to the original purchaser?
Inquiring Minds want To Know.

Best Regards, George

Bruce Day · 01-10-2011, 10:46 AM

George, in the absense of response by Parker experts, I'll attempt to answer.

Original Parker checkered butts are rare. It was an option on D's and above, see the Parker catalogs, but was not a popular option. There are a few are out there, but most checkered butts you see are on replacement stocks for reasons we can only speculate about.

The Parker checkered butts had an unusual pattern as shown below. Most replacement checkered butts were all over checkered. I'm not aware of any determination of percentage, and I doubt it would be possible to determine. My understanding is by the very few I've seen or heard about. The late Rem Parker skeet guns had standard checkered butts, however, there are not very many of those guns.

Here's one I have on a 1911 DHE 20ga, which I understand from others is one of the few known outside of the late skeet guns.

George Lander · 01-10-2011, 01:22 PM

Thanks Bruce: Mine looks exactly like yours. I'll post some pictures later. My gun is on an "O" frame w/ 30 inch barrels made in 1925.

Best Regards, George

Bruce Day · 01-10-2011, 01:32 PM

Well you would have a rare gun that was special ordered and could be worthy of a letter from Mark.

Dean Romig · 01-10-2011, 05:20 PM

I have photos of a pre-1920 CHE 20 ga. with a straight grip, no safety and a checkered butt that letters exactly as it is and is checkered exactly as Bruce pictures. I'll post a pic tonight with the exact year.

George Lander · 01-10-2011, 05:31 PM

Bruce & Dean: I have the letter from Mark but it only has the stock book information and not the order card info. My gun has the initial plate engraved " 2 S.D. McGraw N.Y." It has a straight grip and splinter forearm. Double triggers.

Best Regards, George

John D. · 01-10-2011, 06:05 PM

Hi George,

This checkered butt is on a lowly little "V" grade...

Hope this helps!

Best to you,

John

Chris T. · 01-10-2011, 06:20 PM

The gun George has is a spectacular example. I curse him for out bidding me on it everytime I visit his website!

Dean Romig · 01-10-2011, 08:19 PM

Can't see the checkered but very well at all but here it is nonetheless.

C.O.B. · 01-11-2011, 08:26 AM

It seems to me Mark Conrad bought a C grade or above at the Southern several years ago with an original checkered butt. I would think it would have to be confirmed by the order book and so many records are missing.