11-Gauge Parkers

[Richard B. Hoover]

Austin,

I agree that almost all 11 gauge Parker's were made prior to S/N 6000, but there appear to be a few exceptions. The Parker Story lists 46740, which would have been made in 1885, as an 11 gauge with 30" barrels. I do not know if this gun still exists, but would love to get measurements from it if it does. Bill Furnish, Charlie Herzog and I have found evidence for four others with post 1875 serial numbers --- 1877 S/N 8900 (11 bore barrels chambered for 12A brass shells); 1878 - 12053 (chambered for paper 11 or brass 11A shells); 1879 - 14827 (chambered 10A); and 1882 - 25991 (chambered 11A).

I was also fascinated by what you said about Jim Parker's 11 gauge. Is it really chambered for a 12B shell? I have seen evidence for them chambered 11, 11A, 10B and 12A but never 11B or 12B.

I am intrugued about your comment regarding the surcharge. It would be interesting to see if there is an indication for a surcharge on any of these 5 post 1875 Parker 11 bores. Would you be able to check this out?

Richard