1881 Parker Lifter 12 Ga
 

My adult son acquired an 1881 Parker Lifter 12 Ga. Since I have a bit more time than him, I have been trying to research it, whew! Being an 1881 sure is making it difficult. So far, I have this info:

12 Gauge
Frame size 1,
Barrell weight 3.8
Barrel length 28 1/8”
Markings = + sign, Circled T, 52 4
Pat’d Mar 16, 1876, under SN 22435 on watertable, Mfg 1881
Standard forend loop

It seems to be in good shape. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

With that barrel length, they likely have been cut.
And the left hammer is not original to the gun. And I cannot see the right.

The gun is from the short period where Parker was using roll stamping on the lock plates instead of hand engraving.

The bobbed barrels would hurt it a good deal. But at least they are still about 28” long and not shorter.
A 1 frame lifter makes for a nice little 12g gun.

Thanks for the info Dudley! How long would those barrels normally be?

The Parker Gun Identification & Serialization Book lists your gun as an 0 grade with 30” Plain Twist barrels.

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Right hammer is correct.

Thank you again!!!

Where would I go to get a correct left hammer, I'd really like the gun to be correct. Also, any idea as to a value?

Gary, I can't speak for finding original parts. However, I just had an 1879 predecessor of your gun beautifully restored. The gunsmith had to make a new left hammer, because the original was cracked. He is really good at his craft, and I really can't notice a difference. I guess that forensic types could spot it without much trouble. But that is not all that was not original. He had to make a completely new stock, because the original had a shattered wrist; but he replaced it with wood that had to be several grades higher than the original. Also, he had to cut off 3" of barrel for a crack, making it 27". It might all bother a true high end collector. But I am hunting the gun and that kind of detail doesn't enter into the great feeling of a hunt bringing an 144 year old gun back into the field.

Whatever you do about the hammer, enjoy shooting it. (If a qualified gunsmith checks it and clears it.):)

Thanks Garry! What load are you using to shoot it?

What ammo I am shooting
 

Gary,
Not sure who you are asking, but I assume it was me.

The gunsmith proofed it with RST low pressure loads. He suggested that I try to keep pressure at or below 7,000 PSI, maybe mid 7,000’s.

It has been hard to find qualifying shells, but I found a couple of boxes at a “fine gun” store. Since then, RST had some available very briefly online and I managed to score a couple of cases.

I also have been trying to assemble components to reload some recipes for low pressure 2 1/2” shells that a representative from Hogdon sent me, all sub 7,000 PSI. The problem has been that they all call for their Universal powder, which seems to be a unicorn. Fortunately, a fellow in my gun club had a couple of pounds that he recently sold me. I have not yet loaded any shells with it.

So RST is the short answer.