Parker Letter
 

Just received a Research Letter on a 1926 vintage GH 16 I recently acquired. There is no mention of chokes or pattern. All of my other letters mention either choke or pattern. Is this a common ommission from the log books?
JJV

The pattern information in certain eras is at the extreme right side of the stock book page. When copying the stock books, Commander Gunther divided the pages into two parts. Two parts was not quite enough to include the entire page. Our researcher will give you everything that is available in the copy. Sometimes we get pattern information, sometimes we don't.

Jared, if I can read it, I put it in the letter. If it is not there, unreadable or cut off, I leave it out. I only put in the research letters facts that I can read. I some cases the order books will have the choke the dealer or customer specified and I will put that in the letter.

Mark

Jared, unfortunately the "order book" information is only available on guns made 1919 or before. The information on your gun came from the "stock book" a chronological record by serial number.

Here a few quick photos... There is some nice color on the gun and what I think is a nice piece of wood for a GH. The chokes are modified and light modified. I was really hoping that the factory records would confirm the chokes but not to be.

Nice!!! Is that a 1 frame??

What a great gun. No one would modify the chokes on a gun that looks that good. I proclaim your chokes to be factory original. The buttplate is wonderful.

It is a #1 frame . Weight is 6#10oz.

Bill, did later production 1 frames not have snipe in mouth on dogs head butt plate? Thanks Dave

David, even thought that gun weighs 6 pounds, 10 ounces, the buttplate would indicate that the factory installed a #0 stock on the gun. This is not unusual.

I did have the butt plate off and it is indeed marked 0 on the back.

It's a nice gun, but the $100.00 buttplate is a real bonus. I have a nice little 28" DHE 16 on a #1 frame with a #0 stock and it is one great gun. I guess the Parker Brothers guys couldn't resist putting a lightweight stock on a gun they thought would be the "Perfect Bird Gun".

Thanks Bill, You are a great parker teacher, Thanks again, Dave

What a beauty..16 GA. at that....

There is only one later design of buttplate than the one shown and that is the very same dog with no bird and also without the word "BROTHERS" at the bottom of the dog's head vignette.

Yes indeed a great gun to carry, a great gun to look at, a great gun!

my admiration for good workmanship and beauty grows each time a see a parker...and if i get to hold them in hand i fall in love again.... charlie

Here a a few more pictures for your enjoyment. Thanks everyone for the comments.
JJV

Great gun Jared, Congratulations!