A stock like the example in Hammerjack's photo would be from a Grade B SAC gun or higher, and I suspect in that photo above is actually from a Grade D Hollenbeck that was featured in the DGJ a few years ago.
With Syracuse, low serial numbers don't always denote early production on mid and higher grade guns; but GENERALLY, early Grade 3 SAC guns will have a round knob grip (but could have the $2 optional capped/carved PG, although the round knob grip is what you will find featured in catalogs up to 1904). In 1904, both the pocket and full sized catalogs illustrated the Grade 3 with the "carved" full pistol grip, as we see in Hammerjack's photo; and also a checkered cheek panel (but without the carving seen behind the cheek panel in Hammerjack's photo). Most Grade 3 guns I've seen have plain grained wood; but it is English walnut, and was described in the catalog as "imported Italian walnut". The catalog also described the Grade 3 "as identical to the Grade 2 gun with the exception of engraving"; which pattern is virtually identical to the Grade A gun. Auto ejectors were always optional on the Grade 3, as was the ejector on/off switch; which option was not cataloged as available until 1902.
