Loch Ness
 

Or at least someone trained in the land of Loch Ness? The famous H&H with the sea serpents (they use in their literature) is one of my favorites works of engravers art.

I must admit that the serpent for the name block on the Parker is a very nice touch.

I wonder if that is one of the three AH's built for the Columbian Expo back in 1893? I think the serial numbers were 66201, 66202 and 66203.

H. Gough?

Patrick, in my opinion you are absolutely correct. Henry "Harry" Gough, Parker Bros.' chief engraver, by invitation (from England) of Charles A. King, from 1887 - 1898 (ser. range 52744 - 90307).

See page 606, Vol. 2 of The Parker Story. The similarities are just too close to be anyone but. Look at the examples of H. Gough's work in Chapter XV beginning on page 595. He was one of the few Parker Bros. engravers to have ever signed his work and there are several examples of this in The Parker Story. Possibly, with the aid of a magnifyer, the owner of this gun might find such a signature.

Dean,
I was studying those same pages in TPS recently when I was researching another gun by H. Gough. I think the setter dogs he did are a dead give away. They all look "possessed". His Stag's are very lifelike as well.

Patrick

I agree, and Henry's son William Gough, replaced him as chief engraver in 1899 and his work was so much like his Dad's that it is often difficult to tell who's work was who's. I believe William apprenticed under his Dad and worked for Parker Bros. for several years before taking the lead in '99.

H. Gough signiture
 

John D., You might suggest to the owner of this Parker to examine closely the area around the threaded trigger guard mounting hole with the trigger guard removed.

True Bob, but often H. Gough would sign his work right in the artwork as is seen in PML's first picture where his signature appears just beneath the elbow of the hind's front leg.

Engraver
 

My 5 (B) grade 10 gauge has the initials HG on the edge of the engraving on the left side plate. At least G is the best I can make of it. There is no question about the H. This gun was ordered in February 1881 and delivered in April. I was told by a very knowledgeable Parker collector the engraving was done by Harry G. The dates don't fit. Any idea who it could have been if not Harry. The book says he became the engraving supervisor in 1887. When did King over seas? Did Harry work there for some period of time before becoming the chief engraver? With a Parker there always seems to be questions that can't always be ansewered. Tom

Has anyone found a Gough signature under the trigger guard on a gun lower than A Grade?