parker P grade 8 gauge

[Pa SxS]

Aaron sent me the serial number, thanks Aaron!

What you have is a Quality R, Top Action hammergun in 8 gauge with 34" barrels. If you want to give it a number grade, it's a grade 0, the lowest grade gun Parker made.

How did I determine the above? The Order Book doesn't give the grade but gives clues. The clues are barrel steel, grip type, and price. In this case, it lists the barrels as P.T. (plain twist), capped (grip style), and the price of $95.00. Next we go to the Stock Book which lists the barrel steel as P.T. which we know from the Order Book. On higher grades it usually gives a grade number along with the barrel steel but with P.T.'s it doesn't so no help there. It also lists it as a Top Action gun so obviously Ron Kirby's letter is wrong! The rest of the Stock Book lists the dimensions and weight as 8 gauge, 34" barrels, 2 3/4 DAH, 14 1/4 LOP, weight 14 1/4 pounds.

So how did I come up with a Quality R? You have to go to the Parker Price lists from the year the gun was made and find the grade corresponding to the price listed in the Order Book. We don't have a price list for 1884 but we do for 1882 and 1886 and the listings are the same. Parker at this time charged an additional $35.00 for an 8 gauge gun over the price for a 10 gauge gun. I took $95.00 which is what is in the Order Book and subtracted $35.00 for the 8 gauge barrels, that left $60.00. The 10 gauge gun that listed for $60.00 was the Quality R. Aaron, send my your address and I'll type up a new research letter for you.

[aaron hackenmueller]

It is long gone merchandiser from Minneapolis, mn. Not sure if i spelled it right.

[aaron hackenmueller]

Thank you so much, can you give me an approx. Value of the gun. I need to get it insured. Thank you.

[charlie cleveland]

you can get a 8 ga bronze bore brush off ebay about 7.00 dollars polus shipping i seen it last nite...just punch in 8 gauge bore brush on there... i m gonna get me one... charlie

[Bill Murphy]

Maybe Chuck can give us a correct spelling for the dealer so we can start some research. Value is contingent on details of condition, which means pictures and more pictures, also more pictures of the bores. If you wish to sell, join PGCA and post on the for sale forum. Insurance value? Maybe $4000 or $5000. That's about what they would pay you, regardless of what you insure it for. Don't waste your money, just keep it locked up.

[Dean Romig]

Aaron, if you get a written appraisal from a legitimate auction house of note or a known expert in the appraisal of fine arms an insurance company would be compelled to insure it for its collector value (at a premium determined by the insurance company) - which could be well above the value Mr. Murphy has suggested would be an insurance pay off amount.

[Phil C]

My R Grade 8 gauge on a 7 frame with 36" Twist barrels weighs 13 lbs. 6 oz. Just got it back yesterday from Brad putting it back on face. Looking forward to July 1 when Arizona law to allow the use of an 8 gauge goes into effect. The 8 gauge, and my Burnham Brother J1 call have a date with some coyotes.

[aaron hackenmueller]

Nice!

[charlie cleveland]

look out coyotes... what load do you plan on useing for these varmints...no 4 buck is good coyote medicene... ARRON you gots to hurry up and tell us how that old 8 ga shoots....charlie

[aaron hackenmueller]

As long as my parents are around it will have to remain in the safe. Because of value, rareity, and family value unfortunately they wont let me shoot it. I always have my imagination I guess sorry guys.