Research Letter
 

Just received my research letter today. Ive attached a photo of it. I thought it was interesting that the date of order and the date of shipment are the same. Waterbury and Meriden are only 16 miles apart. I wonder if thats why?

Serial number indicates it was made in 1887 and the letter states it was shipped 1889. I guess it was inventory somewhere?

I will give a "thanks" to anyone who posts a picture of their PGCA letter. Nice little gun. I have a #1 frame 12 gauge top action gun almost identical to yours that I have owned for 40 years and I have not had lettered. I have letter almost every other Parker I have owned in the pre 1919 era, but this has never been a favorite gun. I guess I'll get a letter just in case it turns out to be interesting.

I suspect the gun was shipped on the same day that the order was received because it was most likely a "stock" gun... in other words, it was the lowest grade with the most common features and a great many of them were made to be kept in stock to fill orders for a Parker with common features or ordered simply as "a twelve gauge shotgun".

Bill, I've got a letter coming on a #1 frame hammer 12 I bought. Mine's got 30" tubes. Soon as it arrives I'll post a photo of the letter and the gun.

If you 12s not a favorite I love hammer guns and could offer a good home.

Mike

first time I ever scanned anything.http://C:\Documents and Settings\HP_...ments\My Scans

10 gauge parker
 

the parker letter on the 10 gauge

Darn thing was ordered & shipped on my birthday just 75 years early !!!

Bill, I have never been able to make my scanner do it's thing by simply pressing the button. Can I get a thanks if I draw a picture of it? Maybe even just an 'eh'?

I like letters that indicate the name of the person who ordered it, moreso than just a store. Seems more 'personal'

Seriously, I'll try and scan the one I received on my 16ga lifter. The old gent who ordered it lived in Bridgeport, and the fellow who brought it to me said it was from someone with the same surname, so it's at least mildly interesting it never changed hands since 1884.

That is an example of interesting provenance.