SN 57409 - a new feature?
 

The referenced gun is a 10 Ga., my first, and in disassembly we have noticed a new (to me) feature not in evidence in other guns. What appears to be a hammer retraction set of levers which are incorporated into the opening cycle of the gun. See the picture. This is a 2 frame E grade gun. It isn't in the serialization book, wondered if there is anything that would make a letter worthwhile?

http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=24237

See page two of the above thread where I discuss this.

That was used on the very first hammerless guns. It is covered by Patent 368401. The hammers are pulled back slightly by the top lever opening.

This feature was done away with after about 6 months of production when they went to rebounding hammers.

Brian, thanks for the info. So not all that rare, just one more iteration.

Maybe 1,000-1,500 guns were made with those mechanics.

Just one of those steps in the evolution.