Parker SBT History?

[Himark]

I recently purchased a SBT and was looking for a history lesson in these threads. I could not find anything on their history and was kind of surprised there was not a sticky for this topic.

I am curious about when production started on these SBT guns and when it ended? Also what were the levels of grades available and what was there selling price as new guns back in the 1920's? How many were made? What gauges were sold? I am sure you gurus will know all these answers so please share if you do. thank you,


Also the gun I purchased has a "Etchen Special" looking stock. The few guns I have seen that were Etchen Specials had a engraved grip cap noting the fact. This gun I have the wood looks to be identical in all measurements and appearance and looks to be as old as the gun by the appearance. However, the Parker production records book and this serial # are not in the book to tell what stock it would of left with??

[Dean Romig]

The best source for information on the Parker SBT is "The Parker Story" by Price, Mullins, et al. It is a two-volume set and will probably cost you around $200.
It is the Parker "bible".





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[Pa SxS]

Tim, I don't think you have looked very hard for info on the SBT on this web site. There is a forum titled Parker Single Barrel Trap Shotguns that contain much info on them. On the home page look at Grades and scroll down to the SBT pictures. The SC was by far the most popular. There were about 1800 SC's made and a little over 1900 total SBT's made. The Etchen stock was developed by Fred Etchen and is characterized by it's tightly curved pistol grip. They were aftermarket stocks not made by Parker. Google up Fred Etchen to see his accomplishments.

The SBT was introduced in 1917. The SA #1 Special sold for $550, SAA 450, SA $310, SB $225, and SC $150. By 1940, the prices were $761, $646.50, $449, $290, and $225.

[Autumn Daze]

The total SBT guns made was about 1535 or so

[Pa SxS]

Dave, not according to TPS. 1910 total is just an approximation due to missing records.

[Bill Murphy]

What is the serial number of your new single barrel. I saw this gun on the internet or somewhere and it looked more like a Parker stock than an Etchen stock because of the checkering and coloring. If you share the serial number, you may find that order book records are available.

[Himark]

The Serial # is 191432. I will post a pic of it also. thanks

[Autumn Daze]

Thanks Chuck....Maybe my 1535 number is for grade 4 guns?

[B. Dudley]

There was at least one V grade SBT made on special order. It was out for viewing at the Parker Gun Foundation dinner two years ago.
And I believe that the records indicate one or two being built as D grade guns. Not sure if those have surfaced at all.

[Bill Murphy]

In that serial number range, no order book information will be available to identify the originality of your stock. A good close look by an experienced Parker collector may give you some information. It is probably an Etchen stock or another non original stock to Etchen design.