Adopted a fairly early GH today:
 

I located and purchased a fairly early (1889) GH today. It's a #1 frame 12 gauge with 30" tubes that shine (inside) and a touch of "case color" left on the frame. I didn't see anything but a used, untouched vintage Parker that was up for adoption. This gun was a consignment and I have been very busy lately adopting these wayward guns. This is my fourth Parker and my sixth double gun in the last couple of months. I'm looking at a heavily engraved "Manton" tomorrow with "Royal Damascus" barrels, could be a "keeper". Now this old Parker has seen better days but it needed a good home so here's a few photos I took today with poor light, though I'll take the sunshine over a snow day anytime. There is too much light on the butt stock photo, it really doesn't look like that. Didn't have to lay down too much cash 'cause that's how I roll. The engraving is of the earlier style without the football border. It also has the early "Dogs Head" butt plate with a snipe. Enjoy:

nice

serial number or year it was birthed?

You're a lucky guy to get one of the early ones in such great shape!

Dean, It's #57109...1889, not in the book.

That is a very nice gun. I love the early Grade 2 hammerless engraving. Mine aren't in nearly that good a shape

Water Table:
 

The underside barrel flat denotes a "4" (barrel weight) and "D" Damascus. The gun is tight on face. There is a real small dent in the left barrel and the stock will "flex" left and right just a smidgen, it may need a staple...or perhaps more. I am close to being a "Bottom Feeder" for price and value, so in my world these old Parkers usually have a wart or two. It kind of goes with the territory.

Just received my "Parker Pages Journal" and learned the earliest 12 gauge hammerless reported was gun #55845. My earlier assumption that today's find was a "fairly early" hammerless has been confirmed. I also learned the earliest Parker on a 1-1/2 frame was #83000. My GH 1-1/2 is #84807, also reasonably early one. My new membership is paying dividends already.

Bruce, I believe 55295 is the first hammerless gun.

youmade a good find there...most do not have any colors left on them... should be a fine shooter its already a good looker.... charlie

Thank you Dave. The earliest known surviving hammerless is #55845, not the earliest one manufactured. Oops

Thank you Charlie...I can't find your "Thank You" button.

We have had a few first year hammerless show up in the past year. Showing a good sample of the early engraving patterns.

My early GH, 56213 has the flying birds on the left side --

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...psb3aa828a.jpg

and walking birds on the right --

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Big20055x7.jpg

Mr. Bruner if you get that manton make sure and post pictures on the fine doubles forum.

Bruce, We know where 55296 is. It's the first hammerless D grade made. Interesting gun.

The fever is contagious! Congratulations.

Very nice. The screws appear untouched since assembled in Meridan. Incredible.

Bruce I think you are being modest about the coloring.In the photos the coloring looks pretty, pretty nice. Nice find and please post photos of the Manton. Good luck with you new adoption! Andy

Better Stock Photos:
 

Here are a couple of better photographs of the stock. Don't you wish these old Parkers could talk? Without provenance we can only ascertain their past based on the remaining condition. The "as new" and "restored" guns are very pretty and admirable but I prefer the ones that illustrate the "been there, done that" time tested appearance. I enjoy contributing to the forum. I have appreciated everyone's wonderful feedback.
My thanks to all.

55821 is on Gunbroker now. It is an EH and looks like it has had a hard life. No connection to this auction, btw.

I have 55348 and another member has one that I think is 55333 or thereabouts. Mine is the earliest hammerless known that was sent back for fluid steel barrels, converted from 10 to 12 ga, and found at the rarest of all places - a Chicago gun show.

Thank you Greg for removing temptation. My wife thanks you more. What grade is yours, by the way?

Technically it is an EH grade but it letters as a GH grade. In any case I guess it is Grade 2.
Ordered Dec 31, 1888 I suppose as they prepared for the New Year's Eve bash.