1879 Parker Bros, damascas Steel, 12G
 

I inherited my great grandfathers Parker Bros, Makers, Meriden Conn, Damascus Steel, 12G. Based on the serial number it appears to be made in 1879. I am looking for additional information on the gun and it's potential value.

Some of my questions I have or observations I need verfied/corrected are:

-The water table has the serial number 14687 stamped on it but not the grade?

-The barrel lug is stamped with "O 2" is this the frame size?

-Flat is stamped with D 14
526 4 6529
?
The question mark below the 4 is because it is not clear to me.

The left side hammer is missing. Where can I get a replacement and what should I pay?

I would appreciate any clarification, guidance or advise.

Thanks!!!

welcome

- the 4 with the 14 to the upper right is the unstruck barrel weight

the D stands for damascus barrels

6529 ahould be the order number, no connection with the serial number. The 2 on the lug is the frame size. It is probably a dollar grade gun, pre letter or number grade, probably equivalent to a Grade 2 because of the Damascus barrels. Nice gun that may be a good shooter regardless of the wood missing at the lock plate.

It's a grade 2 and the 526 is either lot number or an inspection numer. I have the same stamp on my grade 2 in the 14000 serial range. I also have the 524 stamping on another grade 2 lifter.

Thanks all...for the information. I would be interested in any other comments as well. Ecspecially where I might find a replacement hammer.

Would a grade 2 have sculpted bolsters like that?

Yes Brian, they would. Compare them to my Grade 3 lifter that you saw on Saturday and are on a thread I started a couple of weeks ago with pics.

Dean

It seems that the early grade 2 guns had sculpted bolsters and the later guns did not. Do not know exactly when the transition took place 12,000 - 15000? probably a cost cutting move on Parkers behalf?

Aaron, I have to agree, It appears to be a grade 2, or possibly a Hundred Dollar grade. I would suggest you join the PGCA and post a want for a pair of hammers. You're as likely to find a pair as a single, but getting a pair will insure they are matching.
Lifter actions are a real pleasure, and since yours is a 12, you would find it's a very friendly, and fun gun to shoot. There are plenty of good stock people here who would be able to scarf in a piece around your right lock plate.
I find it interesting that the script on the rib reads opposite from most later Parkers, and that your rib isn't engraved. All in all, you've got a gun well worth tidying up.

Edgar, you had one in your hands on Saturday with a nearly identical rib... backward script and all. :whistle: