1879 Parker Bros, damascas Steel, 12G

[Aaron Edwards]

I inherited my great grandfathers Parker Bros, Makers, Meriden Conn, Damascus Steel, 12G. Based on the serial number it appears to be made in 1879. I am looking for additional information on the gun and it's potential value.

Some of my questions I have or observations I need verfied/corrected are:

-The water table has the serial number 14687 stamped on it but not the grade?

-The barrel lug is stamped with "O 2" is this the frame size?

-Flat is stamped with D 14
526 4 6529
?
The question mark below the 4 is because it is not clear to me.

The left side hammer is missing. Where can I get a replacement and what should I pay?

I would appreciate any clarification, guidance or advise.

Thanks!!!

[OH Osthaus]

welcome

- the 4 with the 14 to the upper right is the unstruck barrel weight

the D stands for damascus barrels

[Bill Murphy]

6529 ahould be the order number, no connection with the serial number. The 2 on the lug is the frame size. It is probably a dollar grade gun, pre letter or number grade, probably equivalent to a Grade 2 because of the Damascus barrels. Nice gun that may be a good shooter regardless of the wood missing at the lock plate.

[Bill Zachow]

It's a grade 2 and the 526 is either lot number or an inspection numer. I have the same stamp on my grade 2 in the 14000 serial range. I also have the 524 stamping on another grade 2 lifter.

[Aaron Edwards]

Thanks all...for the information. I would be interested in any other comments as well. Ecspecially where I might find a replacement hammer.

[B. Dudley]

Would a grade 2 have sculpted bolsters like that?

[Dean Romig]

Yes Brian, they would. Compare them to my Grade 3 lifter that you saw on Saturday and are on a thread I started a couple of weeks ago with pics.

Dean

[Hammer Gun]

It seems that the early grade 2 guns had sculpted bolsters and the later guns did not. Do not know exactly when the transition took place 12,000 - 15000? probably a cost cutting move on Parkers behalf?

[edgarspencer]

Aaron, I have to agree, It appears to be a grade 2, or possibly a Hundred Dollar grade. I would suggest you join the PGCA and post a want for a pair of hammers. You're as likely to find a pair as a single, but getting a pair will insure they are matching.
Lifter actions are a real pleasure, and since yours is a 12, you would find it's a very friendly, and fun gun to shoot. There are plenty of good stock people here who would be able to scarf in a piece around your right lock plate.
I find it interesting that the script on the rib reads opposite from most later Parkers, and that your rib isn't engraved. All in all, you've got a gun well worth tidying up.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

I find it interesting that the script on the rib reads opposite from most later Parkers, and that your rib isn't engraved.

Edgar, you had one in your hands on Saturday with a nearly identical rib... backward script and all.