16ga Lifter Action Hammer

[Bruce Day]

Originally Posted by Jay Gardner

Spectacular, Bruce. I hate to ask but is the condition original?

This is the considered and coordinated response to your question:

This gun was purchased about ten years ago from an elderly man who was not a gun dealer, who had owned the gun for many years, and who reluctantly parted with it because of his advancing years. The purchaser never had the gun redone in any way, including any work by the known quality correct refinishers such as Turnbull, Batchelder. The elderly private seller is understood to have kept the gun unused and away.
Many collectors have studied the gun and none have been able to find refinishing indicators such as buffing marks, worn engraving or any other indicator. The standing breech face is unpitted. The barrels are not pitted or striated. Nobody has stated that the case colors are anything but period correct. Hammer gun frames and particularly lock plates are known for long lasting case colors.
Some have speculated that the gun is redone because of its pristine condition. In response to that , others point out the absence of any other refinishing indicators and mention the known existence of documented original condition guns similar in age and of equal degree of pristiness.
So, in answer, nobody knows with certainty, and it is what it is. People will only speculate and nobody has come forward with clear proof either way.

[edgarspencer]

My offer still stands.

[Richard Dow]

Bruce: That's the most beautiful Parker (and in that gauge) I have ever seen. The owner must be very proud of that gun. Thanks for posting the pictures.