Perhaps chambered for a 12B brass shell. If so, a modern 12 (12A, above bore) would not fit and a 16 would flop around.

The barrels are clearly crolle Damascus

1869 catalog

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../325553101.jpg

1872 front action locks and 'English Twist' are offered

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../325553100.jpg

As in most matters Parker, TPS provides most answers to most questions.

p. 1004 List of the 14 ga guns by SN. The first is SN 4701.

pp. 516, 519, 524 Tables of chamber and bore dimensions.

It is not uncommon that we see alleged 14 ga guns that turn out to be wallowed and bored out 16 gauges and alleged 11's from 12 ga guns.

I no sooner said I thought it could be a 14ga. when it occurred to me it was more likely the 12ga. brass shell chamber. I knew I'd be corrected soon enuf.

Bruce,
Thanks for indicating the relevant tables.
Unfortunately, TPS isn't definitive in this case since the gun predates written records and Fig. 12.17 lists 14 ga being available in 1869 even though not listed in early listed catalogs.
There is no chamber info for a 12B shell in TPS and the table of chamber data is standardized as of 1920 some 50 years after this particular gun was made.
A 12B seems the best guess but it still remains a guess without the owner taking the initiative to have the chambers and bores measured and originality determined.
This is an interesting gun for which more info is warranted.
Erick

Thanks again to everyone for contributing here, the discussion has been helpful. It seems that the best path forward is to get an expert appraisal (or two or three), to establish vintage and gauge. Can anyone recommend a reputable appraiser in the St. Louis, MO area, or the Northeaster Missouri area more generally? And, what am I likely to have to pay for an appraisal for a gun like this?

Logan

Hi Logan l for one would be interested to know you found this gun. These old Parker's surface from time to time and I'm always fascinated by their story.

Hi Logan,

I recommend reaching out to PGCA members who would not charge you anything more than a cup of coffee for their opinions. Those opinions would be as reliable as those from most gunsmiths that you will find when it concerns a Parker Brothers gun of this vintage, at least in evaluating it as a Parker. For safety such as minimum barrel wall thickness there are many of us who have the tools to measure that. There are of course doublegun smiths such as Brad Bachelder in Grand Rapids Michigan who knows a thing or two about Parkers. Maybe our PCGA members could recommend someone qualified who lives closer to you?

Oh, if you have an interest in Parkers I suggest spending $40 on a PGCA membership. It may be the best money ever spent concerning collecting Parkers!

Mark

PS: Brian Dudley is a gunsmith, PGCA member, and certified Parker Brothers affectionado who is also qualified for this task. He resides in New York.

Second Mark on that. Looks like you have a very interesting gun

Mike - I'm working on the gun's back story now. I think I have it down back as far as the 1940s. Once I have it verified, and hopefully traced further back, I'll happily share it with the group.