Calling all 3 Frame 12 gauge's

[J.B. Books]

The thread discussing Dennis Nix' latest purchase of a 3 frame VH on got me wondering. Factory records I believe did not record frame size. It would appear to me Parker Bros. occasionally built 12ga guns on 3 frames I believe to achieve a desired heavier weight. 3 Frame 12's are not rare but are certainly uncommon.

So how many are out there among us and what are they?

I have a VH with 32" barrels F/F built in 1900 on a three frame, barrel weight stamp is 5', gun is 9 lb even. It was ordered and shipped to the general store in a small Illinois town on the bank of the Mississippee river. 9 pound weight was requested. A lot of barrel swamp. No doubt intended to be and used as a Fowler. The gun was solid with modern dimensions but pretty messed up. Couple of mechanical issues, cold blued frame and barrels and checkering refreshed with a steak knife. I had Larry DeGrego & Son bring it back 100% in 2008.