Parker-Supplied Leather Case - Looking for Comparisons

[Dean Weber]

I have a Parker- supplied leather case (documented in letter) I want to restore. However, I believe some modifications were made over time. I am looking pictures of this case's interior if any of you might have one. Appreciate any assistance.

Pictures explained
1 - 1887 catalog, TPS page 560, Low Gun Case
2 - 1887 catalog, TPS page 564, variations of Low Gun Case. Likely the #45
3 - Case closed
4 - Case with barrel trays placed over stock (variation #40 & #45)
5 - Barrel trays
6 - Barrel trays removed, bottom contains stock. The frame of the stock compartment is removeable and can be shifted to accommodate other tools
7 - Top lid with cover opened for storage

https://i.imgur.com/snIRITv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GGCZCiC.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/O6uvTnl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/02siCWZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ij7zdQ3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SiQIxnf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/feLKnxR.jpg

[Reggie Bishop]

Randy Roberts has one that he has posted pics of in the past.

[Randy G Roberts]

Hopefully this helps. The catalog copy came from an 1880 version if memory serves me correctly.

[Dean Weber]

Thanks Randy! The 1880? catalog has better pictures/drawings of the case. Gives me some hints there.

[Dean Weber]

If anybody else would be willing to look at their catalog collections and share pictures of the leather hard cases depicted, I would be interested and grateful. Probably between the years 1875-1885. Thank you in advance. You can send them PM or email if you wish as well(webah65@gmail.com).

[John Davis]

So Dean, is yours set up for a gun with two sets of barrels? And one forend? Very cool.

[Dean Weber]

John,
My gun is a 2 barrel set ordered with a leather case. The case is designed to handle 2 barrels, however I don’t understand where the forends were designed to be stored.

[Randy G Roberts]

John,
My gun is a 2 barrel set ordered with a leather case. The case is designed to handle 2 barrels, however I don’t understand where the forends were designed to be stored.

Dean the previously pictured gun is a 2 barrel set with 2 forends. They are on the barrels in that picture, just hard to see. As this is factory documented case it would leave one to believe the forends were left on the barrels when cased. At least that was one option.

[Dean Weber]

Randy,

I agree, your case interior is setup similarly to most hard cases we see. In the catalog you provided, both the #320 and the #400 have the "frame" outline for the receiver which mine has as well. I believe my case is a version where the removeable barrel trays sit on top of the frame tray. Thus the question of where everything is placed. Thanks for providing that catalog!

[Chuck Bishop]

Dean, what's the S/N?

[John Davis]

Dean, does each set of barrels have its own forend or do they share one?

[Dean Weber]

John,

I would expect it had 2 forends as it had 12 and 10 gauge barrels. Alas, one set is missing. Kind of a "if you build it, they will come" sort of thing. Therefore, going to restore the 2-barrel case in hopes of a miracle.

[Dean Weber]

Dean, what's the S/N?

Chuck,

It is 13731, shipped in 1879.

[Chuck Bishop]

Dean, I reviewed the order book for this gun and it only says 1 Leather Case @ $12.00. The 1877 price list says (Leather case, length of barrels, to hold gun, shells, etc. $12.00 but doesn't give a #. The 1878 catalog shows the same leather case as described in the 1877 price list to be #320 for $12.00. The 1882 catalog shows leather case #320 selling for $12.00. It has the upper compartment. More than likely, Parker could configure these cases for a 2 barrel set. Just my best guess, you have #320 leather case.

[Dean Weber]

Chuck,
As always, you are ever helpful. Best to you.

[Bill Murphy]

My 1897 CH grade two barrel set was ordered with a #38 shelltop case. I don't remember the price charged for the case.

[Dean Weber]

My 1897 CH grade two barrel set was ordered with a #38 shelltop case. I don't remember the price charged for the case.

Bill, are you amenable to posting a picture in order to understand how your case was configured?

Thanks in advance - Dean

[Brian Dudley]

Bill, are you amenable to posting a picture in order to understand how your case was configured?

Thanks in advance - Dean


We may see hell freeze over here…

[Chuck Bishop]

The earliest catalog I have that shows the #38 case is 1888. I didn't list it because it's a much later year than the gun. It's described as "New Pressed Seamless Case. No stitched seams to rip. The body is made of one solid piece of leather, molded into shape, and supported by a light but firm frame of three-ply veneer of hard-wood. The corners are very strong by reason of the rounded or curved shape. The top will carry seventy-five shells. The best case in the world". The price was $12.00.