Parker Bros Shotgun 1890 NEED HELP

[kevinhughes]

I have a shotgun that just came into my shop that is in incredible condition. The story behind this gun (yes I have proof) That is was ordered by Fletcher Jenks and Co of Detroit, MI with Instructions to send to S.P. Stevens of Lincoln, NE on September 2, 1890 and shipped on Oct 23, 1890. According to Parker bros order book no. 28, it is a DH hammerless, 12 gauge and features a 30" Damascus steel barrel. Special instructions were: Donated by C.E.P. (Charles Eddy Parker) and engrave shield monogram S.P.S. for highest Average at Detroit Tournament Aug 25-27-28, 1890.

According to Parker Bros stock book No. 22 the stock configuration was a capped pistol grip and its specifications were Length of Pull: 15:, drop of heel: 3", weight: 7lbs 14 ounces. The chokes were patterned RH full and LH full.

I have the letter from the Parker Bros. Association. I have a copy of a field and stream magazine article showing how S.P. Stevens did during all his tournaments. And another article Vol. 35 p. 119 talking about the shoot that would be happening in Detroit that Mr. Stevens won.

There is a small knick on the butt of the stock and a few small rusts spots on the barrel that will clean up nicely. The bore is beautiful.

knowing all that and seeing the pictures, can anyone help me out with a estimated value?

[Craig Larter]

As everyone will tell you to nail down an accurate estimate of value the gun needs to be inspected in person---my guess $2500 to $5000. Appears to be a very nice example from what I can see.

[Dean Romig]

Is there any mention in the letter of the Grade 2 checkering and lack of drop points while retaining the customary Grade 3 SS butt plate?

I am not questioning the originality of the stock as it appears to be quite original - just curious about that oddity.

[kevinhughes]

I am sorry but it does not say anything at all about that. I know that the gun was donated to the tournament by Charles Parker so maybe that had something to do with it? The only thing that the letter does say is that the gun was returned by S.P. Stevens in Nov 1903 to be cleaned, repaired, action tightened, redress stock and c lean and rebrown the barrels. All at a cost of 10 dollars

[Bill Murphy]

Dean, many, if not most, complimentary guns have some abbreviation of quality in the total package. Many A and B Grade guns that were given by Parker Brothers to exceptional shooters had very sparce engraving coverage for the grade. This gun conforms to everything I have seen on complimentary guns from Parker Brothers. Maybe the Fox Collectors director who owns a Parker AH grade that is very plain will comment. It was a gift from Parker to a Richmond shooter for winning a seasonal shooting league.

[Craig Larter]

Very interesting---no engraving on the top lever or tang, the stock wood quality and checkering is sure grade 2. 15" LOP is quite long

[Dean Romig]

Craig, there is minimal engraving on the lever, but even with magnification I can't make anything out on the tang besides the engraved "SAFE".

[kevinhughes]

Here are some more pics. Hope this helps.

Kevin

[kevinhughes]

Pics 2

[Dean Romig]

Yes, it is a nice early DH with standard engraving for a Grade 3. There is still a lot of original case color though it has mostly gone to gray now. It's a very nice gun with few issues.

[Dean Romig]

Jent, that is the 1910 version of the replacable bolt plate. According to TPS they were fitted to many guns as a matter of course when they were sent back to Meriden for any kind of work.

[Destry L. Hoffard]

A De-Troit Parker! If that was in Detroit now it would have the barrels cut down to 15 inches and probably a pistol grip.....

DLH

[Steve Huffman]

Or sold to help bail themselves out !