The Parker Try-Gun Explained

[Drew Hause]

July 24, 1915 Sporting Life
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1915/VOL_65_NO_21/SL6521029.pdf

[George M. Purtill]

Thanks Drew
That article looks like it finds its root in a press release issued by Parker.
Great picture.
Nice find. Thanks for posting.

[Jeff Christie]

One of the reports mentions the Indian shoot. It was a regular event here in Spirit Lake for years and was founded by the great local shooter of the times, Fred Gilbert. Some of the locals wore Indian costumes when they shot. The PC police would go nuts today (but not here).

[Drew Hause]

Jeff: more information on the Indian Shoots
http://www.trapshooters.com/threads/looking-for-info-on-atlantic-indians.256412/

https://books.google.com/books?id=6aQvAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA173

And IMHO the greatest of them all, Fred Gilbert
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k2_50HPC18lm2BZmH5SlgYSptcngORnmLTZ5iiW-cpc/preview

He came out of Spirit Lake an unknown to win the first E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Co. Grand Smokeless Championship Handicap Live-bird Tournament in 1895 and then won the “E.C.” Inanimate Target Championship in 1896, using a Smith.
He came to his senses :) after the 1899 GAH at Live Birds and switched to a Parker. Parker Brothers Order Book No. 41 records BH SN 83855 placed into stock in January, 1896 consigned to Fred Gilbert. The stock book lists a D5 hammerless, 0 extras, straight stock, 12 gauge, 30" barrels, Gun count 482, Damascus barrels.
Toward the end of 1901, Gilbert received his new Parker DH SN 103649; no dolls head, no ejectors, 32" barrels, ordered by Russia Klien. The gun was returned to Parker Brothers in 1903 to be refurbished.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/19974446/382579735.jpg

He finished his career with a Parker SBT.

[Drew Hause]

Jeff: "Fred Gilbert's Remarkable Career and Comebacks" was in Parker Pages in 2010. I mailed a couple of copies to the library in Spirit Lake and understand there is a display of his trophies and maybe his Smith in the library? Gilbert's BH is owned by a PGCA member.

[Drew Hause]

March 20, 1915 Sporting Life
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1915/VOL_65_NO_03/SL6503023.pdf