Couple of things. I don't have the serialization book in front of me, but 11 gauge Parkers are very rare. I have an 1874 model in 10 gauge with a serial number around 400 past yours. During the early history of Parker, most 12 gauges had 11 gauge barrels and 10 gauges had 9 gauge barrels. There were a few different 12 ga chambers used, depending on brass, paper and forcing cone form. If the gun is in the serialization book or a factory letter is available you could likely determine how it left the factory.
It is possible that it is a 10 ga with 11 ga barrels. As to a 10 ga cartridge fitting, the early Parkers generally had short 10 chambers and a new shell may not fit due to the length being way too long. A check of the records or a letter from the association would likely answer a lot of questions. There honestly is very little chance it is an 11 gauge, but if it is a documented one it is a rarity.
|