Rib Roll Mark
 

I have seen some three and four digit s/n guns with no rib roll mark. I have a nice gun from Jim Parker's collection, in the 1000 range with much later twist barrels properly fitted. When I studied the early No 2 order book I found "fit new barrels no charge" on almost every page. This might be a reason to put another factor above barrel steel as factor 1. That bow tie fore end pattern seems to have been pretty persistent over the first 3000 plus guns, and obviously trumps the two diamond pattern.
Best, Austin

I tend to agree with Dave Suponski on guns of this early era. Many peculiar things happened before King came along with a game plan. I'm not so sure that any design feature seen in an earlier serial number really sets a precedent.

Here is the forearm from 3313 in 1874. And a early grade number referred to earlier?

Dave

I believe as Austin states that there are many things to consider when trying to grade one of these early guns. Just a few things to consider..1)Many of these guns were rebarreled so the original barrel steel may not be present for examination.2)Checkering patterns as we have observed were not standardized yet.3)As far as wood quality...Some of these early guns had fantastic wood on them even the lower grade guns.4) Using the order books for pricing is not a be all /end all either as many guns were sold at a discount.

So I would cast my vote for frame sculpting and engraving patterns being used to determine grade. Even at that these early guns are a real challenge to positively identify.

Grading
 

With respect to grading, there is another cost step; gauge choice, wrist choice, and checking carried price surcharges that varied with time.

Best, Austin

I'm enlightened now thanks to Austin's and Dave's contributions to this thread. I now have a better understanding of why there were "dollar grades" at all. It appears to be that there were few, if any, standards that could be considered earmarks of a "grade" for the simple reason that a buyer could have just about anything he wanted for an additional price. Such a system would seem to demand a grading system eventually but until that 'time' a Parker's level of embellishment (or options) was determined by what a buyer was willing to pay.... hence, the "Dollar Grade".

"Dollar Grades"
 

If one could have been a fly on the wall, the early Parker Gun Works would have been a fascinating young business endeavor, to see grow and evolve. Just imagine, it was a time in American history immediately following a devastating Civil War, in the midst of the Industrial Revolution, and at a time in gun history with the advent of the breechloading gun. There was immigration of skilled artisans from Europe, and vast expansion in the West.
Parker Brothers knew they wanted to produce a quality shotgun for the discerning sportsman; but where to go from there? They put together a team of skilled smiths, engravers, carvers, etc. This team probably ranged from highly skilled and experienced, to apprentice. They were given the freedom to experiment and perfect their art, along with all the innovations of the time.
Being a young business, Parker Brothers was also trying to grow and expand sales. A price list was circulated with general descriptions of "grades", based on amount of embellishment. When an order was received, a gun was assembled or chosen from production, to fit the price description. This is why, prior to 1875, no two guns are alike, even within the same general price description.

Dave

HARD GUN TO GRADE
 

The gun shown here is 3215; which is shown in both TPS and Serialization , identified as probably being "the highest grade offered at the time". Note the frame sculpture; the positive point is that the raised portion in the center of the breech bolster has some engeaving; the weak point is that the tear drop at the front carries no engraving.
The convincing point for me is that I can look at the "star" in the pattern and count six.

More on this later.

Best, Austin