Maybe a railroad. This is 1950's era. Parker to guard the mail/baggage cars?? not too likely but fun searching.
Cheers
Jack

http://nmra2013.org/sites/nmra2013.o...yout/B04_0.JPG
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The 27257 gun is a 9lb, 5oz grade 2 example, as stamped on the water table. I'll do my best to shoot some better pictures of the engraving. There is lots of it.

Thanks Jack. I've sent for a letter on the gun; doubt it will give us any clues, but we'll see.

Just received the letter on #27257. The mystery was what the initials "L & K" stand for, as stamped into the wood on the underside of the forend:

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/...e/DSC_5397.jpg

The letter states that the gun was shipped to Liddle and Kaeding in San Francisco on Dec. 14, 1882. L & K were gunmakers and dealers, 1872-1889, at 418 Washington Street, San Francisco. Details on the brief history of what was for a time the largest sporting goods shop in San Francisco can be found online.

Other than that, I am happy to say that the gun is in the original configuration in all respects, although I haven't checked the chokes. The letter lists them as RH and LH full (195 #8 pellets in a 24" circle at 45 yards for both).

Interesting history. Chased the name around a bit on Google. Discovered there is another collecting fraternity very intrigued with glass "target balls" They are pretty rare as most were blown to bits in a cloud of lead shot. This one sold for 9000$. I'd rather have the CHE that blew them to bits. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
Cheers,
Jack

http://fineestateliquidation.com/wp-...arget-ball.jpg

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Thanks Jack. Aren't these the kind of targets that Annie Oakley would shoot with her smooth bore Marlin and Winchester "rifles" with .410 shotshells?

Since Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show was often performed in a tent, I wonder how well that worked out for the audience and the tent. Folks were a bit less squeamish about safety in those days.

Those balls were often filled with feathers for the effect when the target was broken.