Dean, It's a B (grade 5). Hope this helps.

Thanks Fred. That's a nice one - I'm not surprised I mistook it for an A.

If it's possible I think someone needs to save this thread on the home page Great photos

Bruce
Thank you, Great thread!!!
David

Maybe next April 1, photos can be posted of a Parker hammerless sidelock gun.

Tips/"Nose Pieces"
 

Bruce, Dean, Larry, & Fred, thanks for a very interesting thread! One could almost say they are as individual as fingerprints---- especially on the mid to upper grades!! It is just another thing that helps makes Parkers unique! Bill

Thanks Bill. I have always enjoyed examining forend tips for their uniqueness and beauty. Except on the lower grades, D and below, there seems not to have been a specific motif for each grade like that which can be seen on the frames of graded Parkers.

1896 BH...Ya I know I take lousy pictures..:)

Thanks Dean and Bill. For obvious reasons #64887 is my favorite gun. From the records Mark has, it was delivered in 1891 as a grade 5, 12ga.,#1 frame, SG with 30" damascus bbls. It was sent back to Parker for 28" damascus at one point. It now has 30" Acme bbls. with ejectors. There is a Remington code on the flats, "D 3" which indicates it was worked on in Meriden March 1935. I believe that is when and where the Acme bbls. and the ejectors were installed. The engraving of the dogs on the frame and trigger guard is, to me, outstanding, as well as the filigree there and on the top lever. The floor plate is good too, but is the standard stag and doe. I like to think that William Gough did, at least, the best part of it, though I have not found his initials. Next, I like to think the Robert Runge did the forend tip as the forend would have to have been replaced during his tenure when the ejectors were installed. For a gun of that era, the dimensions are just right for me and at seven pounds is a pleasure to carry and shoot with the right loads.

Too bad - it probably was originally manufactured with 'extra fine' "DD" Damascus barrels which are lovely to look at. However, an early hammerless BH with Acme barrels is certainly no slouch but very desirable.
The fact that the forend was likely replaced doesn't necessitate the replacement of the tip too - it mat still be the original. In fact, judging by your picture, it is of the early design, not like Remington would have made.