It would be something if that old gun turned out to be Judge Denny's PS it is not mine and I dont know who is selling it.

Nothing stopping someone from ordering a letter on it. Let's dig out our early eighties Parkers and look for pheasants.

From what I understand, a lot of the engravers at Parker were of european extraction. They'd have been very familiar with the pheasant, my guess is that's your explaination.

DLH

Destry,

I think you have it nailed.

I've seen a lot of gamebird engraving on grade 2 Parkers and the majority of those that exhibit long pointed tails are actually a rendition of prarie sharptail grouse but there is no mistaking that the birds on the gun in question are pheasants.

Yes, I am not surprised that Parker could engrave pheasants back them just wondered who would want them. They Dont look like the birds on the few other grade 2s and the early GHs Ive seen. I wonder if it was a special order for someone who shot in europe

Pheasant?
 

The Parker Story indicates many Parker engravers were new to this country and not outdoorsmen. A copy of Audobon was kept in the engraving room. The " looking back bird" is a direct lift from Audobon.
A leafing through Audobon may find this bird.

Best, Austin

I always enjoy Austin's insight, always very helpful. One of the Greats on this Fourm !!!Thanks ch

According to the US Geological Survey, pheasants were released in New York state in 1733 and later in the 1700's in New Hampshire and New Jersey. The USGS characterizes the 1881 Oregon release of 100 breeding pairs as the first release to "really gain a toehold in North America".

Audubon Pheasant
 

It doesnt take much to get me on a new research project. so I went off to find the Audubon pheasant. Audubon's famous book The Birds of North America was compiled between 1827 and 1839. I found a website that had all the prints. I found beautiful pictures of all our native game birds but I couldnt find find any pheasants. Not surpriseing since there were no established populations during Audubon's life.