Trojan lever question

Dan Serlenga · 07-08-2012, 12:38 PM

Just made an offer on a 12ga Trojan at the local gunshop. The gun is in decent shape, for a decent price. The were asking $900 and I offered $700 and they are holding it for me. It will be my first Parker.
The question I have is the lever has an "S" bend in it that fits your right thumb real nice. Does this modification detract from the guns valve? Does it have any significance other than shooter preference? Thanks for your feedback.
Once inspected, I hope to take a couple of NJ ducks with my new Parker.

Bill Zachow · 07-08-2012, 02:05 PM

Take a picture of the lever and post it here. You may have what is called a "fish tail" lever. If so, and if original to the gun, it could be a very scarce feature as I have not heard of such a lever on a Trojan.

B. Dudley · 07-08-2012, 02:12 PM

Yeah, like Bill said, post a picture of it. It should be easy for us to tell if it has been modified or if it is an original Parker lever. Or should I say, in the Parker style. I ahve seen other guns modified with a bent lever, but one can tell they were not original or some look a bit crude.
The fishtail lever was used a lot on Parker hammerless guns, but before the Trojan was introduced. And the Trojans nearly all had the new style opening system which used the coil spring. The levers are very different from old style to new style. So basically I am saying that I do not think that an older fishtail top lever could be fitted to a Trojan grade gun, or at least not easily.
I think the only way your Trojan would have one from the factory was if it was special ordered that way, and if it was... what a find.

Autumn Daze · 07-08-2012, 02:30 PM

Or it's possible the gun isn't a Trojan grade gun. Pictures would solve this mystery.

Dan Serlenga · 07-09-2012, 07:55 AM

Thanks for the replies, I'll get some pictures posted when I take posession of the gun.

Dan Serlenga · 07-09-2012, 04:56 PM

I knew it was to good to be true. I took another look at the gun today only to realize it is a hammer gun, so the fish-tail lever is common. 1875 pat date with a S/N 51179, 1887 manufacture date, 30" barrels, not damascus, with a small amount of scroll. I think I'm going to keep looking unless someone tells me this is a great deal at $700. I didn't take any pictures, but I can if you are interested.

Twice Shooter · 07-09-2012, 05:19 PM

Hi Dan, I would be interested in pictures. What kind of barrels does it have?
Thanks, Tom

B. Dudley · 07-09-2012, 09:57 PM

If the gun is tight and in good condition with some original finish. It would be worth $700. Good bores would really be a plus. Pics would be good if you can get them.
Well that explains the top lever subject of this thread.