B-Grades (and other high grades)
 

Reading the "Christmas Gun" story I was surprised the gun was delivered two-days after it was ordered. Obviously it was built for stock - which surprised me. I assumed that pretty much all higher grade guns would have been made to order. Did Parker build all grades to keep in stock/inventory?

JDG

B 20

The "Christmas Present" Grade 5 is a remarkable gun but as far as B's go it is relatively unremarkable as far as appointments go. The only things that are or may be specially ordered are the checkered cheeks.... (but then again they could have been a 'srandard' feature for the grade in that era.) and the initials engraved on the gold grip cap. Everything else, though beautifully executed, areabout standard for the grade.

One really cute feature I just this moment noticed is the bottom rib was made from American Flag Bunting Damascus. Certainly not by special order, but certainly a very nice touch for what appear to be 6-iron DD Damascus barrels... NICE!!


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I have, and have seen, letter(s) that show a high grade gun returned (C grade being the highest observed) and resold. I would assume that if an order for a high grade could be met with a gun on hand, and have the quick turn-around time, the Brothers Parker would surely accommodate.

Dean: Checkered cheeks were standard on B hammerless guns from my observations. I have pictures of B's from the late 1890's all with checkered cheeks ???
In my opinion the one thing remarkable on the Christmas Present gun is the quality of the wood. I also think the engraving is somewhat unique in that it does not have the typical double dogs and the floor plate is engraved with dogs instead of the normal stags found on many B's of the era.
As you know I am the current caretaker of the gun.

Yep, I knew that Craig... Lucky guy!!

I believe that beginning with the Grade 5's the engraver pretty much had a 'free hand' in engraving themes. It is probably "somewhat unique" for this very reason.

...and I dream of wood like that!





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It has charisma in my opinion, not a high condition gun but a time capsule. Now instead of sitting in a closet covered in cat hair, it has taken up residence between a CH 10ga Bernard and a AH 10ga.

A fitting place!





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Looks pretty high condition to me! I love it!

One great gun !