Serial number 52748

[William Dunn]

I recently visited a museum in Encampment, WY and noticed a Parker hammer gun, 52748 on display. I was able to get the serial no. but was not allowed to open it for more information. The museum folks were interested in getting more information and all l can find is the date of manufacture (1888). It appears to be a 12 ga., 0 grade with twist barrels, fishtail lever but may be a 10 ga. Can anyone fill in any further data. I really don't want to pay for a letter.

[OH Osthaus]

that serial number says 12ga grade 0 30" plain and a capped pistol grip

if the museum folks are interested in more info - they can send for a letter

[Kevin McCormack]

Yes; tell them to send for a letter. Academia is notoriously cheap in documenting things like this when they know little or nothing about backgrounding an item. I've been through this a dozen times with museums and always stress that the money spent is indeed cheap when accurately documenting and properly presenting an item in societal context, which is what museum curating is supposed to be all about. The last time I did it, I insisted that they display my own story board with the gun - that way I I knew it was right and accurate.