I, too, have seen Larry's Grade 7 damascus gun, at Addieville. I corrected my original post as it was my intent to say I had not seen grade 6 damascus barrels with wedges.
All of the above, by myself and others notwithstanding, I still can't agree that the 205,xxx gun was engraved by the same person who engraved the barrels of unknow vintage.

I agree, questions do remain but I think making so many unfounded assumptions about this gun only serves to denigrate the gun and cast unnecessary shadows on it, the seller, and the owner of this fine gun.

I won’t comment further - I have stated what I believe and a couple of things I know are facts. More commentary would only be speculation and would serve no end.


Bill Millins is of course correct in not assigning definite ‘facts’ to the gun and the Damascus barrels.
Without actual documented data, everything is opinion.


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If I decide on this gun and not the other early high grade, I will take the trip to Barnett's and look at the gun in person. I'm retired and have the time. One thing that validates the gun, to a large extent, is that I have the name of a former owner that was sent in a PM, of a person, now deceased, that I greatly respected and was a top collector. I'll let everyone know of my decision.

It is my opinion that the gun, 205XXX was engraved by Frederick Anschutz during his tenure as senior, or chief, engraver between the years 1911 (when he took the position vacated by William Gough when he moved to Phila. to become the chief engraver for AH Fox) and 1930 or '31 when he passed away. The wedges engraved on the Damascus barrels (which many say are not original to the gun) may still very well have been engraved (and I have stated my opinion on this earlier in the discussion) by the same hand sometime between 1911 and 1923 - the year the gun was made...

The fact that the pattern and execution of the "fiddleheads" (as Edgar calls them) engraved on the frame doesn't match the pattern and execution of those in the barrel wedges does not preclude them from being engraved by the same person.



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I agree with you Dean. The engraving is among the best I have ever seen on an A grade.

Regardless of the speculation posted regarding this gun, it's still a beautiful piece. I'm always fascinated by the expertise -- and personal opinions -- of my very knowledgeable Association colleagues. When I read the comments, I learn so much about Parkers, and also about human nature. I do think that sometimes there are different collecting philosophies at play that may seem to be conflicting -- not just about originality.

It seems to me that Tom is very fortunate to be in a position to purchase a gun like this, and that he has some soul searching to do to be able to decide exactly what his priorities are in getting a high grade Parker. It's a wonderful dilemma.

Tom, let us see what you decide upon!

I agree Garry.....Additionally, I would love to see what the steel barrels look like mounted on this gun!

I will post my decision. Thanks to all. Wonderful forum!

the engraving on this gun speaks to me like William Harden Foster's book, 'New England Grouse Shooting'

The engraving is over the top, Very nice piece if you like it buy it! I have passed on many guns I should have bought! Gary