D grade lifter on Gunbroker.

[David Noble]

Ok, this gun has been on GB for 2 months now and narry a bid so it seems that no-one here is interested in this shortened and somewhat abused hammergun. But I kind of like it. The seller is suspicious of it and I would be too, but whether it is actually a Wells Fargo gun or not is not why I'm liken on it. I just think it is cool and it is a D grade!
I've emailed Mike on this twice about the barrel length but get no response. If the barrels are under 18 inches is that legal on an antique gun?
Can anyone here chime in on if they think the asking price is about right or just ridiculous.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=309084977

[Dean Romig]

The interesting thing about that gun is the gold grip cap which was usually only put on Grade 5 and above. I find it extremely hard to believe that Wells Fargo would have ordered a Grade 3 Parker... much less one with a gold grip cap.

[John Truitt]

That gun came from a recent Rock Island auction back in the summer.

[Mills Morrison]

The short barrels are a problem for me.

[Brian Dudley]

I was not really able to find the auction so I don't know the asking price.

[Mills Morrison]

Brian, See if this works. Looks like $1700

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=309084977

[Bill Murphy]

Cut barrels and the grip cap is not inletted. "No time to get a letter"? I think the $40 is stopping him.

[Brian Dudley]

At least it is just the wood that is stamped and not the metal like is seen on a lot of these "Wells Fargo" guns.

[Mills Morrison]

The engraving is quite good. With a new set of barrels and a little touch up work, this one could be nice

[David Noble]

Obviously, if this gun had full length barrels and no stamping on the wood it would have sold already.
So, my question remains, is this a fair price for what it is?

[Darryl Alexander]

Be careful if the barrel is less than 18 inches.
Per the ATF:While a receiver alone may be classified as a “firearm” under the Gun Control Act (GCA), SBRs and SBSs are classified in totality under the National Firearms Act (NFA). A firearm that meets the definition of a SBR consists of a rifle that has a barrel less than 16 inches in length. A SBS consists of a shotgun that has a barrel less than 18 inches in length. The serialized receiver is recorded for registration in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).

Darryl

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Remember RUBY RIDGE!

[Ed Blake]

Buy it and send it to Brileys for sleeved barrels. Bend the stock, fix the skeleton butt plate, refinish and rechecker and you have a very cool gun. Nice winter project.

[Dean Romig]

I kinda like it. Too bad about the barrels but I bet Brad could make a set of nice 30" or 32" Damascus barrels using the original lug block. It would be costly but might make a nice finished product.
I can't say for sure that the grip cap isn't inletted... I'd need to have it in hand.
I'll bet that gun has some interesting provenance.

[David Noble]

Darryl, I have emailed them three times about the barrel lenght and have not gotten a response. I'll call them tomorrow. I have a few other questions anyway.

[Brian Dudley]

In my opinion, the price might be a bit high considering the barrels and wood. Mostly the barrels.

[David Noble]

I found this same gun from a June RIA auction. It was in a lot with three other guns, another early lifter w/30in. barrels, a Trojan 12 that was listed as a VH, and a Hopkins & Allen hammer 12. The whole lot was estimated at $950-$1400.
Don't know the final price on the lot.
The RIA description of the D doesn't give me much confidence.

(copied from RIA)
Parker Brothers Under Lifter Hammer Shotgun LOT SOLD Serial #: 15777 Manufacturer: Parker Bros Model: Under Lifter Hammer Type: Shotgun Gauge: 12 Catalog Page: 224 Barrel Length: 18 1/4 inch solid rib Finish: blue/casehardened Grip: N/A Stock: walnut Class: Antique
Rating: OG Comments: LOP 14".

OG POOR: major or minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated, wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collectors firearm in its present state.

I talked to Mike today and he was very helpful and gave an honest descrption of the condition. He says there's a pretty deep dent in the left barrel and the right barrel is fairly pitted.