Newbie Questions

[Edward Ball]

Hi, I've got a couple questions about a Parker (its my fathers). I was wondering what the mark (number) below the serial number meant. I know the letters above are the grade, but not sure about the bottom number, its a 6 on his gun.
Thanks
Ed

[Pat Dugan]

Give them the serial number and a picture and they will give you a lot more information.

PDD

[Dean Romig]

I think you have an A grade. The letter grade is above the serial number and the number equivalant is stamped beneath the serial number. A 7 would indicate a AA grade while a 5 would be for a B grade.

[Edward Ball]

Yes it is an A grade, its an A-H. I think its a custom of some sort, it has 34 inch barrels and no safety, and a gold cap on the stock with a name inscription.

[Dean Romig]

Mr. Ball, yours is a very rare Parker, the 34" barrels making it even more so. It is what is referred to as a "Live Bird Gun" and was likely ordered by someone who was a competitive shooter of some note and prowess. If you haven't already done so, I urge you to send for a PGCA Research Letter on your Parker. And please, can we see some pictures of your wonderful Parker?

Best Regards, Dean

[E Robert Fabian]

Ed, we would really like to see a few pictures of your AH. Bob

[Edward Ball]

The gold cap says Major WH Singer on it, when my dad bought the gun there was supposed to be a bunch of medals and trophies that came with it but the person couldn't find them at that time. He took the gun out to a local club a few years back and some of the gentlemen there said "Oh, you have Cournel Singers gun!" if that means anything to anyone.

Dean what is PGCA and how can I get ahold of them to see about getting a research letter?

Also I'll try and get some pictures up, I've got some now but my camera was still set on the underwater setting and looking grainey which really doesn't do the gun any justice at all!

[E Robert Fabian]

Ed, The PGCA is Parker Gun Collectors Association. I can't help you with a research letter info because this is a new forum. Some one will give you Mark Conrad's address so you can order a research letter. Bob

[Dean Romig]

Ed, go to http://parkerguns.org/ and click on "Research Letters" on the left column. It costs $60 for a non-member or $40 for a member. If you join the Parker Gun Collector's Association you not only get the letter for $20 less but you also get our quarterly glossy magazine (some people call it a "newsletter" but it is far beyond that). Members write technical articles, report on Parker related events with color photos, write stories of hunting trips and outings using Parker shotguns . . plus you can attend the Annual Meeting and Banquet and rub elbows with all the great guys who post here.
. . . but, at least send for the letter.

Dean

[Edward Ball]

Thanks for the help with that, I'll definately have to pass on that option to my Father. Also I'll try to get some decent pic's of the gun shortly!

[Edward Ball]

Here's some pictures of the gun! Sorry if they're not the best quality, digitial cameras and I don't exactly agree!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190386.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190407.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190390.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190408.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190402.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190396.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190392.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190393.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190395.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190398.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190399.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190403.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190387.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp211/spyderco17/P6190406.jpg

Once again I apologize for the pic's not being the best!!

[Dave Suponski]

Wow What a great gun. Thanks for sharing the pictures

[E Robert Fabian]

Great gun Ed, like the ducks and setters. Thanks for posting pictures. Bob

[Dean Romig]

A wonderful old live bird gun.
Looks like the forend wood has been replaced at some point.
Is the frame blued or is it my eyes?

Please send for a PGCA Research Letter, we would like to learn more about its provenance.
Thanks, Dean

[Edward Ball]

I can't remember if there is another fore end kicking around somewhere or not. Like I said before there's a box of medals and trophies that were won with the gun kicking around but couldn't be found at the time of purchase. Also I don't know if frame is blued or if its just the camera light, its pretty dark, but everything is all the same colour so I'm thinking that its all original. The gentleman that originally owned the gun went on to become a Cournel and this was his gun when he was still a Major.

[Patrick Lien]

Edward,
Can you please post the following information about your fathers gun

1. Serial number.
2. Year your Father purchased the gun.
3. Where your father purchased the gun.

Your Fathers gun is something very special. Finding out more about Major/Colonel Singer is a "must do" in my opinion.

Thank you
Patrick

[Edward Ball]

Well from what I remember, the gun was bought a few years ago from another fellow in town here. I believe that the gun was given to his mother or something along those lines as a gift from Mr.Singer. The gentleman had it sitting in his case collecting dust and brought it to our house and my dad bought it. As far as the serial number, I'd rather not post it, because the gun is in Canada and being registered giving out the serial number is just too much information.