687 lifter finds a new home, possibly $200 grade

[Mills]

I agree with Brian. It is still an interesting gun and would be fun to bring back, as Gary suggests

[Bindlestiff]

I have to wonder if looking at these very early guns, as compared to the higher numbered guns we normally see, is a fair comparison? It seems to me that the few guns I have seen in the 3 digit range have not been as well made as those of later years. The metal to metal fit and the wood to metal fit, to me, usually appears to not be as tight a fit as seen on higher numbered guns. I have to wonder if the quality standards that we expect from Parker Bros. today was just starting to be developed in those early years and this gun is not as reworked as some here believe.

I think those dollar grade guns are always tough to judge, even the grade itself is tough to call most of the time.

[Bruce Day]

Brian, pull the TG tang and see if the SN is stamped in the stock channel. I am not bothered by the wood gaps, those can be attributed to shrinkage. I know you said you did not see a SN, but one should be under the tang, even in early guns.

This may be a $200 grade, but I think more like the $150 grade, we'll see what Gary Carmichael or Robin says. The $200 grades I have seen were more ornate in wood and metal sculpting and engraving. That said, this is an interesting gun. My guess is that this gun is a dollar grade which became equivalent to a D when designs and designations stabilized.

The earliest catalog I have is the 1869 yellow cover Iron Founders and Machinists . The guns are poorly illustrated but the document identifies three grades of front action guns, $200 , $150 and $135. Below that are two grades of back action at $125 and $110 with laminated or Damascus and one back action with decarbonized at $75. I think yours is the $150 or $135 front action . That was costly in a time when skilled tradesman might make $40 a month and labor make $20.

As stated, those light barrels are going to be thin. You ought to get those measured and they may necessitate a very light low pressure load, which most Parkers do not.

An interesting find, Brian, which may lead you down the path of involved collecting.

[Brian H]

Bruce thanks for the note. What I got out of my reading was there were 2 grades for front action hammer guns, $135 which they have in the Story with a light border engraving, $150 was an up charge for a 10gauge I believe and the $200 gun.

Yes the barrels will need evaluated before being shot and will be shot only with the lightest loads.

I pulled the gun out of the stock and there are no markings on the wood and I will post more pictures later.

I am an involved collector which is limited by my pocket book. I will most likely never own a pristine example of a high grade gun but if I can buy a couple dozen guns that are higher grade and interesting I will satisfy my thirst. I have looked for Parkers tirelessly since that first purchase 4 years ago and a lot of digging has turned up quite a few guns I am happy with. Mostly guns that have not been in circulation for decades. Anyone can go to an auction and use there pocket book to buy a collectable item but I would rather find that next closet gun that has not seen the light of day in 30 + years. This gun is not as special as most graded hammer guns I have seen pictures of but I talked to the owner for 2 years before he finally brought it out for me to buy.

[Bruce Day]

I rechecked and you are correct. $150 was a 10ga upcharge. So I think this is the $135 grade.

This will be an interesting gun to bring back.

[Brian H]

It's possible that it's a $135 but if you look at the other early gun comparison in The Story it appears that this has quite a bit more to it. Could be that it was one with additional detail requested. If you get a chance take a look at the references I was referring too. I understand that detail in the early guns is speculation and guesswork but the fact that the breach balls are shaped vs the other example pictured makes me think that is the base grade $135 and this is something above that.

Thanks Bruce for your insite and view.

[Hammer Gun]

This gun has bolsters a lot like 258, If you look close you will see a little more engraving on they gun I believe it is a 200.00 grade, the bolsters and hammers are very much alike, this gun has full checkering on the for end, and skeleton buttplate, I like bruce think you have a 135.00 grade a few photos of this gun in original case, Gary

[Hammer Gun]

one more

[Pa SxS]

I can certify that Brian is not new to collecting Parker shotguns. I know his address by heart.

[Dean Romig]

Aha!! I know that gun Gary, now that you show the engraving on the left lock plate.




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