"Fish Tail" barrel release lever.
 

Some Parkers have an artistically curved barrel release lever, which I think is called the "fish tail." I was wondering if the membership would consider a few questions about them:

1. When did Parker start offering this curved style of barrel release?

2. Was the fish tail release lever a special order item?

3. How desireable, if at all, is this lever style to Parker collectors?

Thanks,
Greg

"Fish tail" release levers were used on hammer guns to allow the gun to be opened when the right hammer was in the full cock position. Their use on hammerless guns is also seen and is probably the result of their trying to use up inventory.

Thank you for the answer.

The "fish tail" I have is on a hammerless action made in 1889 (first year of hammerless production). The curved metal appeared to have no purpose on this hammerless gun other than ornamental. Your logical answer now places the curved release lever in proper prospective.

Best regards,
Greg

Another unintended benefit of the fishtail, is that it makes it easier for a lefty like me to open the gun.

Dave

The fishtail is an added plus on a toplever and IMHO adds to the desirability of the gun. How much it adds to value ?? maybe a little
David

The Fish Tail top lever is rarely seen on the larger frame Parkers as the frame is wide enough on these guns to allow the opening of the gun with the right hammer at full cock without any interference between the right hammer and the straight lever. It is my experience that guns of frame size #1 and smaller more often have the Fish Tail top lever.

Fish Tail Levers
 

Look at pages 25 and 26 of current Parker Pages. The B on pg 26 is a two frame, and the D on page 26 is a 3 frame.

Best, Austin

Fishtale Guns
 

Dave, I'm a lefty as well ... I never gave it any thought, but now that you mention it, fishtail guns really are easier for me to open.

Best regards Jim Kucaba ... AriZOOna Cactus Patch ... Email: JimKucaba@aol.com

My Parker 10 gauge No3 frame has a fish tail again as a lefty it makes things a little easier.

Steve

And lets not forget that it loooooks gooood!!! Show up at the double gun shoot and all the other little boys have straight top levers and you got the "fishtail".

My current favorite Paker is an 1892 1 frame gh with 32" tubes and a fishtail toplever. Every time I pick it this gun up I admire that top lever. IMHO it would look good on any Parker and I wish I could have it on all of them.

Patrick