DH with 2 Sets of Barrels and Parker Case

[Mark Ouellette]

This is something we do not see almost ever!

Presented is a 1884 Parker Grade 3 in 10 Gauge on a #3 Frame with 32” and 28” barrels. Given its high condition and with both sets barrels ordered with the gun it is uncommon at least!

The order was discounted because when the barrels were finished it was discovered that two different types of Damascus ribbon were joined in one of the 28” barrels. See the final photo.

All the preceding is interesting but the really rare thing about this DH is that it was ordered with a case which survives. Guns made of wood and steel may survive 129 years but cases for them, made of thin wood or fiberboard covered in thin leather, are rarely seen today.

I present to you the Grade 3 with both barrels, both forends, and its leather covered case!

Ho, Ho, Ho, another photographic present to you from Captain Claus!

PS: Click on a photo to open it up in larger format.

[edgarspencer]

What a beautiful gun. Have we seen thiss gun before? I recall another thread some tima ago about a set of barrels whose damascus did not match, left to right.
I may be mistaken, but I think DH refers to a hammerless grade 3, and A hammer grade 3 would be refereed to as a D

[Mark Ouellette]

Edgar,

Yup, I knew that. I just forgot today! I'll take the liberty to revise my imperfection.

Please forgive me for having a stupid attack!

Thanks again!
Mark

[edgarspencer]

Happens to me all the time MArk. My daughter said I was born under a stupid tree.

[Mark Ouellette]

Edgar,

When I was younger I also knew everything! With every year that passes I learn how much more I do not know! :rotf:

[Jeff Kuss]

Mark,
Thanks for reminding me that I should have kept bidding that day.
Jeff

[Brian Stucker]

Great looking gun and those turkeys on the floor are AWESOME!! Very neat case.

[George M. Purtill]

Happens to me all the time MArk. My daughter said I was born under a stupid tree.

I am leaving that alone.:rotf:

[charlie cleveland]

me too george.... charlie

[Daryl Corona]

Mark;
Second WOW of the day! Fantastic. Did you hit the lottery? You are having a great Christmas are'nt you. Thanks for sharing the great pictures of a neat gun.

[Mark Ouellette]

Hey Daryl,

I've had these Parkers for two of more years. I just got behind the shutter during a restful holiday break. Photo spreads, especially like that of the B Grade Lifter, take hours to set up, shoot, process, and post.

Ho, ho, ho,
Mark

[calvin humburg]

Mark, I don't remember seeing the B lifter and can't find it.

[Mark Ouellette]

Hi Calvin,

I posted it under the Restoration forum.

This link is to the restored B Grade Lifter:
http://www.parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9044

I also shot a restored DH which is located at:
http://www.parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9049

Mark

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Mark, a great two barrel set! Beautiful gun and in the original case, what else are you hiding up in Michigan

[Mark Ouellette]

Hi Gary,

I'll keep a few surprises for the future!

I pulled up the research letter of this Grade 3. Please note the earlier letter from Roy Gunther in which he references that the gun was ordered with a case. I thought that you'd like to see this!

The following is the text of the research letter:

March 23, 2009
Parker shotgun, serial number 41525, was ordered by Rev. P. J. Kearney in Fulton, NY on June 17, 1884 and shipped on September 27,1884. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 16 it was a Quality 3 Top Action hammer, 10-gauge. It featured Damascus steel barrels with a length of 32 inches and 28 inches. Its stock configuration was a pistol grip. According to Parker Bros. Stock Book No. 15, its specifications were: Length of Pull: 14 114", Drop at Heel: 2 7/8", Weight: 8 pounds and 9 ounces with the 28 inch barrels and 9 pounds 15 ounces with the 32 inch barrels. The price was $125.00 plus $60.00 for the extra set of barrels less 20% = $148.00.

Parker Bros., Remington Arms Company lnc. and others repaired and reconfigured guns as a major part of the gun trade. Over the years, this Parker may have undergone changes to suit its owners, either at the factory or other competent facility. Complete factory return and repair records do not exist therefore our research team cannot comment, report, or have any responsibility for work performed. It is important to note that those Parker records remaining are hand written and show considerable fading from their age. The research committee has done its best to interpret and report our findings in answer to this request and assumes no responsibility for the recorded accuracy or other work completed.

Letter from Roy Gunther dated 29 July 1993:

Regarding your number 41525 with mixed Damascus in one set of the barrels, I have s e en this on other guns, but never a Parker. The Parkers were very frugal Connecticut Yankees and were reluctant to throw anything away. Your gun was ordered on June 2 , 1884 by a Rev. P.J. Kearney of Fulton, N.Y. The order included a case and a complete set of tools. The gun was completed on September 9, and shipped on September 27. This gun was directly ordered by Kearney and did not go through a dealer. In cases like this, the individual was always charged list price. In this case, however, Kearney received a 20% discount on the entire order. Perhaps this discount was offered because of the mismatched pattern in the 28 inch barrels. The mismatch would not have been noticed until the barrels had been completely finished and inspected. At this point Parker had incurred all the expense involved in making the barrels and throwing them away would have been a complete loss. These extra barrels sold for $60. I guess they figured the discount was the better way to go. Apparently, the Reverend was happy with this arrangement.

It is just by chance that I happened to have the applicable order book here. Normally, I'm not able to get the information on specific orders.