Ok Dean, I was able to locate the serial # on the barrel lug. You are right! The barrels are correct and do go with the shotgun. I have enclosed a picture. Now, the question I have. What would possess someone to take a grinder or dremel tool, whatever they used and grind off the numbers on the barrel flats destroying the value of a high grade Parker shotgun ??? Its a great gun. Locks up tight, stock is in great condition. Functions like it should.

I believe whoever did that did so because he didn’t understand the significance of the various stamps or even in fact what they indicated to more knowledgable students of the Parker gun and therefor they confused him.
There is no way of ever knowing what those stamps were, other than the original order number which Chuck can probably retrieve for you.





.

Dean,
I sent you a PM

The letter states SN 3231 was Ordered in March of 1877 but that SN reflects a date of 1874. This is a gun that makes one think. I’m hesitant to even comment what I think. Maybe Gary Carmichael will see this and weigh in. Regardless WIlliam it’s a great gun and you story was a great read. The next time you feel compelled to write something like that send it to the editors of the Parker Pages.
Could you post a clear picture of the trigger guard showing the area where the serial number should be please?

Mike,
I have written a few stories that appeared in the Parker Pages. I just have not written in sometime do to my work schedule which got alittle crazy for awhile but has since slowed. When I checked the serial # I did notice the year 1874 and I did notice the letter states year of order as 1877 which seemed odd?? The trigger guard area where the serial No. Should appear does not look like it was ever stamped. There are no grinding marks etc. Like it was removed. I am interested in what you are thinking or opinions.

I once owner Parker shotgun No. 149020 which was manufactured in 1908 but wasn’t originally ordered until 1912, so it is possible even where there is no recorded reason why the lapse occurred.

We would love to see a better face on picture of of the surface of your trigger guard strap where the serial number would have been engraved. Would also like to see the underside of the trigger guard where the serial number would have been stamped.



.

Dean and William, I believe that Parker made some of these early lifters for inventory or for showing at shows and sold later My 20 gauge Damascus lifter 4634 was completed November 11 1874 that according to stock book #2 The order # listed in the stock book is 5483 The order book is missing, The letter does not say who the gun was made for or when it was sold or who to. The late Mr Austin Hogan thought it had a connection to Grover Cleveland,The next notation states that the gun was returned March 3 1900 by William Wagner in Washington DC to fit new 20 ga Damascus brls 28" 2-3/4 chambers full choke re brown old barrels pictures of the gun can be found under"Hunting With Parkers" Blog Unusual engraving. Again the only reason I think that Parker would spend the money for these high grade guns would be for display by salesmen and showing at different venues, just my two cents, Gary

Pictures of the gun is under engravers and engraving "unusual engraving" not under hunting with Parkers my bad Gary

I agree Gary.





.