I sure would like the guy that appraised that Parker to explain that one. Thomas

What's that Tom?

He's talking about the tag on the gun in the picture.I learned a while back to ignore those.

Sorry, I missed that. I don't pay them that much attention either.

I have 12088 which is gr 2, 12 ga with factory 28" bbls. Mine has the key slide forend attachment. Check your Parker's Found in the PP and see if this qualifies as the earliest example with the new style latch.

Ah the type of yard sale I never find. You can order a letter for this gun and checking the wood under the triggerguard will settle the question as to the originality of the buttstock.
Erick

According to the PP 12204 is the earliest and this bets it by a little less than 200.Am i reading that correct?

That may be the fist number listed in Parkers Found in PP, but The Parker Story lists number 11631 as being the first gun fitted with the New latch. And the last to be fitted with the old Keyed forend was number 16222 as being the last. So there was a period of transition.

I am not sure what evidence that was based on in The Parker Story (11631 being THE FIRST). My guess might be the records might indicate it.

Regarding the stock on this gun, I tend to lean towards an altered original stock. But the guard still perplexes me a little bit.

Just drilled by a knowledgeable person and fitted with a properly engraved screw. Had an old GH that way. Looked very good but not factory

Brian, is the graver walk on the guard typical of this grade gun? I'm not home to check mine and see if it has that style.