More on the pheasant hammer gun

[Jeff Mayhew]

Here are a few more details on the pheasant gun (sn 27257, discussed in another thread), just arrived. The gun is in pretty good shape, with sound wood but very worn checkering. Bores good (more "misted" than pitted). 2 7/8" chambers. S/Ns all matching. The mainspring is missing on the right lock, so I'm in the market for one. Some buggered screws to replace. Muzzles unmolested (30 inch barrels). The action is tighter than I expected, with the lever slightly to the right of center when closed. Firing pins have no return springs (free-floating). I shall order a letter (website says info is available).

Here's a closeup of the engraving on the right lock (sorry, not too sharp):

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd417/spikeismyname/DSC_5392.jpg

Seated birds on the left lock:

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd417/spikeismyname/DSC_5402.jpg

Something else on the bottom; a woodcock? First kiwi on a Parker? :)

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd417/spikeismyname/DSC_5395.jpg

The question I have is what the initial's "L & K" stand for, as stamped into the wood on the inside of the splinter forend:

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd417/spikeismyname/DSC_5397.jpg

Any ideas? Thanks again for the great forum!

[George Lander]

What would the "L&K" on the forearm wood stand for?

George

[Jeff Mayhew]

Yeah, that's my question!

[Jeff Mayhew]

I might add that one of the consequences of firing pins with no return springs (discussed on another thread) is notches on the extractor. I noticed this today in disassembling and cleaning of the pheasant gun.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd417/spikeismyname/notches-1.jpg

[Dean Romig]

Parker Bros. figured that out and on later guns filed notches into the extractor so the strikers wouldn't hang up.

[Austin W Hogan]

These birds look quite pheasant like; the left bird has a ring about its neck.

This is the left lock on a 9 pound, 10 gauge, check hook lifter, s/n 24590. It appears to be quite extensively engraved for a grade 2.
It would be interesting to see some additional grade 2 guns in this serial range.

Best, Austin

[David Holes]

The D grade hammer gun in my albums, has 3 pretty phezs on the bottem of the frame. 47281 serial number.

[Dean Romig]

That is one beautiful Grade 2 Austin. Is that the one that hangs under your mantle?

[Austin W Hogan]

Here is an enlarged view of the "cock" . Amazing how an engraver can turn scratches into form. Note also the guide lines for Parker Bros

The "fireplace gun" this year is a D top action.

Best Austin

[Dean Romig]

I'm always amazed at the work of an engraver, no matter how simple or elaborate it is the "scratches" always "turn to form".

[Jack Cronkhite]

The question I have is what the initial's "L & K" stand for, as stamped into the wood on the inside of the splinter forend

Maybe a railroad. This is 1950's era. Parker to guard the mail/baggage cars?? not too likely but fun searching.
Cheers
Jack

http://nmra2013.org/sites/nmra2013.org/files/imagecache/large/image/layout/B04_0.JPG
SOURCE (http://nmra2013.org/layout/l-k-railroad)

[Jeff Mayhew]

These birds look quite pheasant like; the left bird has a ring about its neck.

This is the left lock on a 9 pound, 10 gauge, check hook lifter, s/n 24590. It appears to be quite extensively engraved for a grade 2.
It would be interesting to see some additional grade 2 guns in this serial range.

Best, Austin

The 27257 gun is a 9lb, 5oz grade 2 example, as stamped on the water table. I'll do my best to shoot some better pictures of the engraving. There is lots of it.

[Jeff Mayhew]

Maybe a railroad. This is 1950's era. Parker to guard the mail/baggage cars?? not too likely but fun searching.
Cheers
Jack

SOURCE (http://nmra2013.org/layout/l-k-railroad)

Thanks Jack. I've sent for a letter on the gun; doubt it will give us any clues, but we'll see.

[Jeff Mayhew]

Just received the letter on #27257. The mystery was what the initials "L & K" stand for, as stamped into the wood on the underside of the forend:

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd417/spikeismyname/DSC_5397.jpg

The letter states that the gun was shipped to Liddle and Kaeding in San Francisco on Dec. 14, 1882. L & K were gunmakers and dealers, 1872-1889, at 418 Washington Street, San Francisco. Details on the brief history of what was for a time the largest sporting goods shop in San Francisco can be found online.

Other than that, I am happy to say that the gun is in the original configuration in all respects, although I haven't checked the chokes. The letter lists them as RH and LH full (195 #8 pellets in a 24" circle at 45 yards for both).

[Jack Cronkhite]

Interesting history. Chased the name around a bit on Google. Discovered there is another collecting fraternity very intrigued with glass "target balls" They are pretty rare as most were blown to bits in a cloud of lead shot. This one sold for 9000$. I'd rather have the CHE that blew them to bits. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
Cheers,
Jack

http://fineestateliquidation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Liddle-and-Kaeding-Agents-glass-target-ball.jpg

SOURCE (http://fineestateliquidation.com/would-we-still-shoot-these-today/)

[Jeff Mayhew]

Thanks Jack. Aren't these the kind of targets that Annie Oakley would shoot with her smooth bore Marlin and Winchester "rifles" with .410 shotshells?

Since Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show was often performed in a tent, I wonder how well that worked out for the audience and the tent. Folks were a bit less squeamish about safety in those days.

[Dean Romig]

Those balls were often filled with feathers for the effect when the target was broken.