The gun is a head scratcher for sure. The finishes on the gun have been completely restored at one point for sure.

The barrels are likely original based on what the serialization book states. Even though the grade is not matching. That could just be an error. The lack of some typical markings on the barrel flats is a curiosity. But, if it was VERY early in the installation of Vulcan barrels, that could explain variances from the norm. The large '0' is likely in place of the typical 'V'. Since the V was the 0 grade. But it does have the small '5' for the grade of B.

The most bazarr thing is the forend. I have never seen a splinter forend like that on a Parker. It is easily almost twice the length as a standard forend. And the checkering pattern on it is like none that I have ever seen, but then again it goes right along with the forend.
Now... everything else about the forend looks right. The way it is made, the fit and finish and even the way the checkering is cut and the borders all look factory. I am surprised for the forend not to have the typical metal tip on it though.

Only a surviving records will tell for sure. THAT is the key to answering all of those questions.

I think it's been restored from end to end.

I have a DHE that had a copper bead peened onto the opening lever right behind the dolls head extension. It's a known pigeon shooting gun in the typical configuration and I was told by the previous owner that the third bead was something pigeon shooters used to do way back then. It's logical to assume that's what's going on with the rib on the gun in question.

Chris,

You mean BEHIND the extension...on the frame?!?

Sorry, yes.

Parker No. 82233 was manufactured before Titanic Steel barrels were introduced in 1897 and well before Acme Steel barrels were introduced in about 1903 - both of which would have been the standard fluid steel barrels for the grade 5 guns.
Obviously the person who ordered this gun had a preference for fluid steel and aside from Whitworth Steel, the Vulcan Steel barrels were all that was available if you didn’t want Damascus.

This was a special gun for a special person and he also probably ordered the forend finished in the manner it is today. He was certainly a discriminating fellow...

A research letter may just fill in all the blanks.






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Chris T.,

Thanks for clarifying...that's wild. I have not seen that to my immediate recollection. I feel like every gun ever made without a safety is marketed as a "pigeon gun." *smirk* I have seen L.C. Smith material describing them, but can't recall whether there was ever any common thread of characteristics other than typically straight stocks and resulting shallow DOH dimensions. Did Parker ever advertise "Pigeon" or "Live Bird" models/dimensions?


Dean,

Thanks very much for clarifying that. That would make it special indeed.

- NDG

That is neat find and definitively something different with that for-end. Whoever the gun was made for probably had some long arms. Maybe gun was made for one of those earlier 7 foot guys we were trying to identify that was discussed here about a few weeks ago with Sara. Now wouldn't that be incredible coincidence.

Oops strike that this gun would pre-date that time frame by about 50 years, but still.

Here is a picture just for giggles, the copper bead is on the opening lever not the frame. The debate about live bird guns is a another topic all together that has been discussed on here plenty. I'm just pointing out the signs because I find them very interesting.

Chris,

Thank you, I've definitely not seen that. Being so close to the eye, I wonder if the idea was basically similar to that of a ghost ring peep...where the eye essentially loses the rear sight as it focuses through to the front. (??)

Great pic.

- NDG