Ryan, the only way to determine the grade of the gun from the Order Book is to look at the stock configuration, the barrel steel, and the price of the gun. We have no price list for 1880. Your gun was a straight grip, plain twist barrels, 12 gauge, and sold for $50.00. Prior to the 1882 price list, there was no letter or number designation given to Parker Guns so we call them Dollar Grade guns, in your case a $50 Dollar Grade gun. In the 1882 price list, Parker assigned letter grades. Had your gun been manufactured in 1882, it would be a Quality U grade meaning it was a 12ga, straight grip, and Twist barrels. In either the 1878 or the 1882 price list, it is the lowest Parker grade made. I do agree it has a nice bit of engraving for the lowest grade.

Looking forward to your letter.

Re: Engraving - This gun displays what Austin referred to as "stamped" engraving where it is actually die-pressed into the steel rather than cut with a graver, possibly allowing for lower cost due to the fact that 'man hour' piece work would have been less. If it were hand engraved I would suggest a consequential 'higher cost/higher grade'. Others may disagree.