Hello

[Don duet]

Hi all, i am also a newcomer to the Association and looking for any information on my parker 10 gauge lifter.

I have attached a number of photos, the serial number is 7401 and there are two dates that i can find engraved on the underside of the gun.

Nov 13, 1866 and MCH 23, 1875

There is a nice engraving of what looks to be an irish setter on both of the sideplates.

the barrel is about 28 inches in length and is engraved "Parker Bros Makers Meridan Conn Demascus Steel".

there are some additional markings on the watertable including the initials 'JJ' which is directly above a large number 3.

thanks in advance for any help.

don

[Eric Estes]

Welcome Don and congratulations on a really nice gun. The serialization book says it was a D3 (grade 3) 10ga with 30" barrels. I am sure others here more knowledgeable can explain what that grade means for earlier guns like this.

[Mills]

Welcome Don. It looks like you have an early D grade. What I can see of the engraving looks well done. It does look like you have a replacement stock and it looks like some work has been done to the gun. Assuming a good gunsmith checks it out, it should be a good gun to take hunting or shooting with some RST shells.

[Don duet]

Thanks for your feedback. we are going to a gunsmith next week for a checkup.

I've attached a photo with a slightly better view of the engraving.

I don't know any of the history of the gun, how can you tell if the stock has been replaced ?

[Don duet]

with addiitional pictures

[PopPop]

Welcome, Don.

Nice looking old 10 ga.

PopPop

[B. Dudley]

Welcome as well.

An early grade 3, which is a great find.

As dean suggested, the buttstock is a replacment as it lacks proper drop points and the checkering is incorrect. Sounds like the the barrels have beer cut. Also the entire frame looks to have had its finish removed by some means. Looks bead blasted or something: