Parker Hammer 12 Gauge
 

I would like some help in explaining just exactly what I have in this double barrel. The serial number is 3799 and I looked it up and it was made in 1874
The barrel measures a little over 30 inches. It has a laminated barrel and although I found markings on the water table and the flat proofs I am not sure what they mean. I've included some pics and hopefully that helps you to help me. Thank you for your time.

Welcome Dennis. Your shotgun is Belgian manufactured. In those early times foreign manufacturers often copied known famous trade names.

It may be a “Parker” but it is not a Parker Bros. shotgun, that which this website and organizarion is all about. In fact, it was not made in the USA but rather in Belgium. It is a low quality shotgun capitalizing on the good name of “Parker”.





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I appreciate the information you both have provided and must say that my ignorance is a little embarrassing. I had no idea there was a difference. Now I do. Thank you for the lesson.

Dennis, We all have been there with identification the way we learn! Gary

Well, you don’t know until you know. Use the “search” function at the top of the page to open a vast knowledge base about Parker Brothers shotguns.
This page is the best starting point:
https://parkerguns.org/