New Member Introduction

[Josh Miller]

Gentlemen,
I received my research letter and wanted to share a brief summary.
The gun is listed as a Quality GH (hammerless), 12 gauge with 28" Damascus barrels, pistol grip stock, weighing 7 lbs 15 oz. It shipped in 1889 at a price of $80.

The records show it returned to Parker in July 1889 for minor work, again in January 1890 to have a new pair of barrels fitted, and later in September 1898 for cleaning, barrel reblue, recheckering, polishing, and installation of a new broad trigger. All serial numbers on the gun match.

The original purchaser is listed as C.K. Sober.

After receiving the letter, I did some digging on Mr. Sober and found something interesting. He was featured in The Strand Magazine in an article titled “A Wonderful Marksman.” The piece profiles him as a nationally known trick and trap shot from Lewisburg, PA and includes period photographs of him performing various shooting feats.

I’ve attached several of the pages here for anyone who might find them of interest. It certainly adds some character to the history of the gun.

I’m still learning and appreciate all the guidance along the way.
Josh

[Harold Pickens]

Welcome Josh from another Buckeye. I grew up in Belmont County near St Clairsville, have worked there as an optometrist for 42 years, and own an old farm there also. I live just across the Ohio river in Wheeling now. Where are you located?
That's a nice Parker, 12 ga I assume. I often shoot a Grade 2 16 ga Damascus.
Good to have you on board.

[B. Dudley]

Can you post additional photos of the wrist checkering on that stock?

[mobirdhunter]

Welcome! That is indeed a fine example of the Parker craft. Enjoy it.

[Dean Romig]

Yes, please do post better pics of that checkering pattern on the wrist of the stock.





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[J. A. EARLY]

Originally Posted by Josh Miller

I’m still learning and would welcome any general observations or advice you’re willing to share.
Josh

The fore end wood would greatly improve the gun if you had it professionally recheckered in the original GH pattern. It was either worn smooth or lightly sanded off, or maybe shooting through a barrel was the checkering's demise.

[Researcher]

Welcome aboard. I see from your pictures that your gun is stamped Grade 2 above the serial number and Quality E below on the watertable. My heavy, a bit over nine pounds, 12-gauge 56213 is similarly stamped, 2 above and E below the serial number.

56213 04 Grade 2, Quality E.jpg

One would normally expect a Grade 2 to be stamped G below the serial number if it is a 12-gauge or smaller. The E normally indicated a 10-gauge which cost $5 more.

Quality E.H. Blue Ink Catalog.jpeg

[Dean Romig]

Haz it been rebarreled to 12 gauge Dave?






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[Researcher]

No. It letters from Mr. Conrad as a 12-gauge ordered June 1889 --

56213 18a.jpg

It is the gun that went back to Parker Bros. for a set of 32-inch Vulcan Steel 20-gauge barrels, forearm and both sets of barrels got the 1910 bolt plate. I estimate that happening after 1919 as the rib legend on the Vulcan barrels is CT, U.S.A. and before 1926 as they don't have the PARKER BROS. OVERLOAD PROVED stamps.

56213 18b.jpg

Any chance the recently acquired books might address the 20-gauge barrels?