B Grade 8 GA

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Rich Anderson

It was worth the trip just to see and handel such a great gun

You got that right Rich. To me it was better than the Czar's gun. Great photos Mark, thanks.

[Bill Murphy]

There is only one 34" hammer B Grade eight. There are two Czar's guns. The Engle eight is twice as rare as the Czar's gun and much prettier. I wonder who owns the Seward Webb guns today? It is my understanding that Larry Baer owned the eight at one time but sold it.

[Jonathan Engle]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

There is only one 34" hammer B Grade eight. There are two Czar's guns. The Engle eight is twice as rare as the Czar's gun and much prettier. I wonder who owns the Seward Webb guns today? It is my understanding that Larry Baer owned the eight at one time but sold it.

Nice Mr. Murphy!

That check got in the mail for the letter Monday. I can wait to learn more!

Jonathan

[Fishtail]

Well???

[David Noble]

Perhaps Jonathan's posts on this and other forums, plus the exposure that his inherited guns got while being displayed at a couple of venues, resulted in more attention than he ever anticipated. I would imagine he was inundated with emails, questions, offers, unexpected visitors and even some threats. I hope that is not the case.
Has anyone checked the other gun websites to see if he is active there?

[Mills]

He had some amazing guns. He had several posts on the Fox forum and I have not seen him post there in awhile.

[Bill Murphy]

Even though the great Parker has long time provenance in the family of Jonathan's wife, the Reuters, the gun was originally sold to E.K. Tryon in Philadelphia, a large volume sporting goods outlet. As they say, "Nothing to see here." Those interested in the Reuter Foxes should search the Fox Collectors website for some very interesting information.

[Fishtail]

If you google Reuters Fox Gun you get all sorts of interesting hits....

[Jonathan Engle]

Hi all,

Im still here, alive and well. I had this gun appraised recently and let me tell you that initial investment of $235 has done well over the years! Below is some information from the Factory Letter. Enjoy!

Parker shotgun, serial number 77xxx, was sent to the World's Fair Colombian Exposition in Chicago IL on March 17,1893. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 34, it was a Quality B, top action hammer gun, 8-gauge. It featured Damascus steel barrels with a length of 34 inches. The price was $200.00 plus $35.00 for 8ga. barrels. According to Parker Bros. Stock Book No. 27, the stock configuration was a capped pistol grip and its specifications were: Length of Pull: 14 1/4", Drop at Heel: 2 1/2,Weight: 7 pounds and 12 ounces. The chokes cannot be determined. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 35, the gun was returned from the World's Fair Colombian Exposition on December 5, 1893. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 36, the gun was consigned on January 27, 1894 and shipped on January 29,1894 to E.K. Tryon Jr. & Co, of Philadelphia Pa. The price was $235.00.

This is what the appraisal said.....

Ultra Rare Parker Brother Gun Company B Grade 8 Top Lever Bore Hammer Double Shotgun with Original Case made for the Columbian Exposition, Circa 1893. 34” barrels engraved on the rib “Parker Bros. Makers, Meridan, Conn. Damascus Steel”. Game scene and scroll checkered fancy grade walnut pistol grip stock and forend. Engraved skeleton steel butt plate and shield shaped un-engraved gold escutcheon at the wrist. Fancy gold butt cap. All original and complete. Superb condition overall with most of the original color case hardening and brown Damascus barrel finish. Stock and forend with the original finish and excellent condition. Mint bores and perfect working order. Essentially unused and kept in dry storage for many years. Factory Letter states it was shipped on March 17, 1893 to the world’s Fair Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois (as a factory display piece) and shipped back to the factory in December 1893. It was consigned on January 27, 1894 to Tryon & Co. Philadelphia, PA. at a price of $235. The accompanying green baize lined leather luggage case is contemporary to the gun and possibly a factory original. The brass plate on the lid exterior is engraved “P. Roberts, Jr./ Philadelphia”. Interior lining very good and all original. Three piece B.G.I Co. 3-piece 8 Bore cleaning rod. Spectacular in every respect. One of possibly two “B” grade 8 bore hammer guns made.

[Fishtail]

Am I missing something or does 7/12 seem awfully light for such a gun?