Great Great Grandfather's Parker Lifter Action

[John Lytle]

Hoping some folks can provide me with some insight into this shotgun which has been passed down to me. It belonged to my Great Great Grandfather (So I was told). I am a little bit confused. The serial number, which I believe is 1766, suggests a mfg. date of pre-1874. However, I would have expected the fore end use a keyed latch as opposed to the more modern latch I have found on this gun. Here are some photos:

https://flic.kr/p/LA71qZ
https://flic.kr/p/LA71qZ
https://flic.kr/p/LA71fi
https://flic.kr/p/27Ah7g9
https://flic.kr/p/LA71cc

Any insight would be great. If you have questions I will do my best to try and answer them. Thanks.

[Mills Morrison]

Wow! That is a nice one and a treasure for sure. If it has a later fore end latch, it could have been returned to the factory at some point.

[John Lytle]

I have spent a little bit more time and gotten some measurements for the gun

Barrels: 30" Damascus
DAC: ~2"
DAH: ~2 3/4"
LOP: 14 1/4" to front trigger
Weight: 6 lb. 15 oz.

[dan myshin]

Lovely gun! When you decide what you believe to be a fair price, please allow me an opportunity to make an offer. Thanks!

[Daryl Corona]

:nono::nono::nono::nono: Can't do that! Members only.

[dan myshin]

I certainly don’t want to violate protocol, but I am most assuredly a member.

[Daryl Corona]

Not you Dan but the OP fishing for a sale.

[todd allen]

I'll bet the PMs are a fly'n!

[dan myshin]

I get your point. Certainly, if this individual is interested in learning more about his great-grandfather's Parker, including the flaws that are clearly revealed in the photos, he should pony up for a full membership. Everyone benefits. Thank you.

[Brian Dudley]

That is wuite an example of a very early high grade gun.

Apart from the cosmetic metal finishes, the gun looks to be in great condition.

The gun having the later patend latch is certainly an indication of it being returned to the factory at a later date for the addition of it.
Also, the locking lug being stamped with the “1”, for frame size, would have been done at that time too since the gun is too early to normally have that marking.



The barrels are likely a replacement set completely. The rib on the gun is matted, which was not done until much later and the rib on the original gun would have been narrower. So, either the barrels were replaced completely or the ribs were replaced when the forend was upgraded. I would suspect the reason for the return was the barrels and the forend was part of it.

A research letter would likely give some info on the return.

[dan myshin]

Thank you, Brian. I failed to notice your observations with respect to the rib. Clearly, that is why you are the expert and I am still but a wet-behind-the-ears amateur. Let's hope that the research letter can shed light on the changes. If this young man is serious, he will pursue that avenue ASAP. Good call!

[John Lytle]

Everyone,

First, at this point I have no plans to sell the gun, and I am sorry if somehow my posted suggested I was 'fishing for a sale'. Second, I appreciate the comments and insight some of you have provided about the gun. Already it has answered some questions and yet it has created others. Also, I did not realize that I needed a paid membership to post and apologize if I have done something that is frowned upon by members of this forum. It had been recommended I post on this site as the members here are the experts on this type of question. I am going to look into a Parker Research letter. I have been contacted by a member of the board who is close by and I hope we can arrange a meeting were he could take a closer look at it. I will certainly follow up with the board on what I uncover.

[Mills Morrison]

No problem John and thanks for your explanation. We get a lot of people "fishing" for a sale of a family heirloom on here, as you can imagine. I am glad you are planning to keep that gun as it is a treasure. I hope you consider joining PGCA as we'd hope anyone with a Parker that nice would be a member.

[John Lytle]

PGCA Membership and also research letter have been taken care of. I will post as I find out more info.

[Brian Dudley]

Please do share the info that you find in the letter. If you care to.

Typically "I just inherited this and I know nothing about it or it's value" translates to "I want to sell this, who will give me what for it?".

And since gun sales are not allowed by non-PGCA members and must be posted in the appropriate section, that is why you received some of the comments that you did.

But, if your post is truly information seeking, then great. Learn as much as you can. A gun like yours is truly a treasure to have in your family and is a perfect Parker to start out with. If you have interest in them and want to get more involved.

[John Lytle]

Well, I heard back very quickly from Chuck Bishop on the Parker Research Letter. Unfortunately, other than the serial number, the rest of the information on this particular gun is not readable from that stock book page. So that was something of a dead end. As I mentioned, a forum member has agreed to take a look at it and I will let you know what I find out.