Shoulder Stock
 

Can anyone give me some insight on this shoulder stock. There is an Imperial Crown mark as well as a serial number on the hardware. There is a 1920 date above the Crown. Thank you!

The stock markings

Side view

Apologize for the multiple posts. I can only get one image to attach each time.

Hi David, Welcome to the forum! You have what appears to be an unissued Imperial Artillery stock. The 1920 above the Crown/S inspection mark is a Weimar Republic property mark.
Regards, Norm

Norm..UNISSUED? What was the crown S and the serial number for then?

Hi Jerry, I see no sign that leather was ever attached.
Regards, Norm

Good point..it's a little hard to tell but it has always been my opinion that if the crown S is on the stock then the stock has been accepted? There are quite a few of these floating around without the Crown S and no serial. I have always accepted that stocks with no markings but original could be called leftover stocks and un issued. Maybe just a word confusion?

Hi Jerry, As I understand it, stocks were inspected, fitted to the gun and numbered at the DWM factory. They were then shipped to clothing depots and dock yards (in the case of Navies), where the leather was attached and they were assembled into rigs. They were then issued. When the war ended many of these stocks were still in these depots un-assembled and unissued. I have an unissued Navy stock, it is C/M marked both in the wood and on the disc, it is also serial numbered. The pilot hole for the wrist strap is untapped.
Best regards, Norm

Thank you! I have kept this for many years. I bought this from an avid firearms collector who was in his 90's along with a few other firearms and ammo. I had almost forgotten I even had it. If I were to consider selling, what would be a fair asking price?

I should point out that although it appears that no leather has been attached and the holes are still untapped. Someone looks to have started to make the board more ergonomically pleasing to them.

David..more ergonomically pleasing to them. UH-OH! They sliced about $300 off...maybe more.

I cringed when I noticed it myself. Had it not been whittled at many years ago what would a fair price be? I've seen just the metal advertised for sale for over $200.

David..it's anyone's guess actually. I have seen good stocks for sale recently at $650 and not selling. You are correct..the iron has it's own value. The wood being like that pretty much kicks it out of the collector field into a shooter. You MIGHT get $300 for the stock & iron the way it is? Put it on Ebay and you will know...

I really appreciate the input. I may do that, it's sat in an ammo box for so many years that I think if someone else can get some sort of enjoyment out of it that I'd consider selling. Thanks again!

I wonder if Hugh Clark or Jim Solomon might be able to resurrect this stock...At the least, attach a piece to return it to the original profile... :)

The angle of the picture makes it look more severe than it really is. Whoever started this "project" stopped after only whittling a very small bit. I've decided to sell and this will be going to a forum member here. I initially listed on EBay as well as here and had a lot more interest than I originally thought I would get.