PH grade barrels
 

I've just acquired Ph with 26 inch uncut twist barrels on a number one frame made in 1892. Were 26 inch twist barrels common?

You neglect to mention the guage of the gun.

26" in 12g or even 16g are on the rarer side. Especially in 12g. In 20g, a 26" length would be relatively common.

I assume you have a 12g gun. In that case, the 26" length would be a special order length since common lengths in 12g would be 28 or 30.
Now, just because they were special order, does not mean they are VERY rare. A number of them were likely ordered. The Parker Story lists in the back a table of "short barreled guns" made. The authors define short barreled as being 24" or less. This is because they did not deem the number of 26" guns made to be low enough to include them in the list of 24" or shorter.

To summarize, from a collectibility standpoint, a factory 26" barreled gun would command a premium due to its relative rarity as being a special order, but that is only if it is collectible conditon. From a shooting standpoint, it may not carry a premium since many people do not like 26" barreled gun due to handling characteristics and such.

I personally shoot the heck out of a factory 26" barreled DHE 12g.

Thank you Brian. It is 12g. factory.

185 such guns were made. Grade-1, hammerless, Twist (or some variation of Twist) barrels with a length of 26 inches.

I have a 12 ga., P, twist, with factory 26" barrels. Everybody that has shot it would love to get it from me. I've had lots of offers. I love it's handling qualities.

Forgot to mention that it is on a 1 frame and weighs 6-8. A delightful gun to shoot with light loads.

I didn't mention there is the number 2 stamped on the forend wood, iron, and lug.
The barrels are in Dale Edmonds hands right now. When they come back I'll post some photos. In the mean time I've joined and sent for a letter. Thanks for all the help

A PH 12 with original 26" barrels just sold on this forum and it was tempting.

P grades are nice looking guns. I actually prefer them to Gs. For some reason the engraving on Gs just doesn't quite do it for me.

A nice P with some good looking twist barrels is a good looking gun.

To each his own !

But give me a GH or EH over a PH or NH anyday !

Now with that being said I know of a NH two barrel set that has me interested at the moment .

Indeed, I just like the simplicity of the PH and VH over the GH. All of them pale to a DH though. I don't know why, I just like the simple designs better than the GH.