Earliest 8 gauges found
 

I was looking at Parkers Found last night and noticed the earliest 8 gauges found were not shown. I wonder what is the earliest 8 gauge found, both hammer and hammerless. Anyone out there know?

That's a great question

Start with a simple search of the Serialization Book and The Parker Story appendix. This will at least tell you what numbers you are looking for.

Looks like the earliest hammer 8 is 4360, a D grade. The earliest hammerless is 57174, a G grade. There are missing records, but the real question is what are the earliest ones observed

my earliest 8 ga is no is 25403 it is a lifter gun with stub twist barrelsand it was the lowest grade made.it was made with 32 inch barrels but they are now 26 1/4...charlie

That would be something to see that first one made (4360). If it is still anywhere out there.

It would and would also be interesting to see if any are lurking in the early records that are missing.

I bet 57174 has the early Grade 2 hammerless engraving (without the ovals). Would love to see that one.

BTW, I noticed the first gun shown in the serialization book is a 16 gauge, of all things. Another interesting gun I hope surfaces sometime

I know an 8 gauge in the 11,000 serial range still exists as I owned at one time. On a 5 frame. It is the earliest one I have ever seen.

That must have been an interesting gun. What kind of condition was it in? I have heard and seen that many of the early Parker 8's saw heavy use.