Great Great Grandfather's Parker Lifter Action
 

Hoping some folks can provide me with some insight into this shotgun which has been passed down to me. It belonged to my Great Great Grandfather (So I was told). I am a little bit confused. The serial number, which I believe is 1766, suggests a mfg. date of pre-1874. However, I would have expected the fore end use a keyed latch as opposed to the more modern latch I have found on this gun. Here are some photos:

https://flic.kr/p/LA71qZ
https://flic.kr/p/LA71qZ
https://flic.kr/p/LA71fi
https://flic.kr/p/27Ah7g9
https://flic.kr/p/LA71cc

Any insight would be great. If you have questions I will do my best to try and answer them. Thanks.

Wow! That is a nice one and a treasure for sure. If it has a later fore end latch, it could have been returned to the factory at some point.

I have spent a little bit more time and gotten some measurements for the gun

Barrels: 30" Damascus
DAC: ~2"
DAH: ~2 3/4"
LOP: 14 1/4" to front trigger
Weight: 6 lb. 15 oz.

Lovely gun! When you decide what you believe to be a fair price, please allow me an opportunity to make an offer. Thanks!

:nono::nono::nono::nono: Can't do that! Members only.

I certainly don’t want to violate protocol, but I am most assuredly a member.

Not you Dan but the OP fishing for a sale.

I'll bet the PMs are a fly'n!

I get your point. Certainly, if this individual is interested in learning more about his great-grandfather's Parker, including the flaws that are clearly revealed in the photos, he should pony up for a full membership. Everyone benefits. Thank you.

That is wuite an example of a very early high grade gun.

Apart from the cosmetic metal finishes, the gun looks to be in great condition.

The gun having the later patend latch is certainly an indication of it being returned to the factory at a later date for the addition of it.
Also, the locking lug being stamped with the “1”, for frame size, would have been done at that time too since the gun is too early to normally have that marking.



The barrels are likely a replacement set completely. The rib on the gun is matted, which was not done until much later and the rib on the original gun would have been narrower. So, either the barrels were replaced completely or the ribs were replaced when the forend was upgraded. I would suspect the reason for the return was the barrels and the forend was part of it.

A research letter would likely give some info on the return.