Strange Badge on Parker gun

[Dean Beal]

I have an 1890 Parker sxs and I’m wondering if something on it may mean something. It has a small badge on the underside of the stock that kinda looks like a Marshal’s badge. Is this, I guess, “par for the course”, for Parker guns or does it signify something? Thank you for your times and help.

[Brian Dudley]

I take it that you describe the stock “shield” inlay.

It is standard on all Parker guns below grade 3 (D). And Except Trojan grade hammerless guns. It was up on top of the wrist on hammer guns and in the toe line on hammerless guns. It is made of nickel silver and is held in place with two nickel silver brad nails. The intention is to give a place for a personalized engraving if so desired. Either at the factory or after the fact.

Higher grade guns had larger ovals in the toe lines.

[Dean Beal]

It is standard on all Parker guns below grade 3 (D).

So does that effect the value of the gun?

[Brian Dudley]

I am not sure i understand the question...

It is STANDARD on guns below grade 3. So, there is nothing special about it.

If it were missing, it would effect the value negatively. But it being there means nothing in regards to value.

[Dean Beal]

I guess I’m just confused about the grading scale and such. Vis-a-vis, is grade 3 good or not? Sorry, new to the whole antique gun thing.

[Rick Losey]

Dean -

hammer guns carried number grades - high the number the higher the grade
hammerless carry letter grades - lower the letter the higher the grade

a grade 3 hammergun equates to a D hammerless

you can use the home page link on the top left of the forum page - then there is a link on the left to see examples of the various grades

the higher the grade - the more engraving and better figure in the wood, and so it cost more then - and since as the grade goes up - the number made goes down- they are worth more today

all else being equal - gauge, condition and specs a higher grade carries a higher price- however for example - a lower grade small bore may exceed a 12 gauge higher grade in similar condition- simply because fewer of them were made and they are more desirable today

[Dean Beal]

Ah, ok. Thank you for the clarification. First couple of hours on the forum and I’m already learning a lot lol

[Russ Jackson]

Welcome aboard Dean ,there is a Great Lot of Knowledge here concerning The Parker Gun and many other items ! I'm sure you will enjoy the PGCA ! Russ

[Robin Lewis]

Welcome Dean! A good place to start to learn about our Parker guns is the www.parkerguns.org web page. On that page, there is a list on the left side of the page which are actually links to other web pages related to Parker Bros.

I would recommend that you read the links listed under the heading "Collector Information". Those will help get you up and running on the basic understanding of the terms used on this forum.

Welcome and above all, ask anything and I am sure there will be someone here that will give you accurate, helpful information.

[Mark Ray]

Additionally, if you would post a few photos of your gun, the group here could tell you quite a bit about your gun!!

[Mike McKinney]

And Dean, we sure would welcome you becoming a card carrying member, great info in the Parker Pages (quarterly magazine) plus other benefits including discounted letters for your Parker. Glad you are here,