The Riverton Handicap March 8, 1895
http://www.la84foundation.org/Sports.../SL2425015.pdf
It may be interesting to some to note the guns and loads used, and we give it below. It was a lamentable fact that of the 15 guns used only one American make was represented. This was a
special pigeon gun of the Parker Brothers' manufacture, and was a beautiful weapon in every way, and was owned by Mr. Post, whose score of 93 on a hard lot of birds did not show that the shooting power was lacking.
All the guns were 12 gauge, and it was noticeable that not a full pistol-grip stock was among the number, and most of them were the straight-grip "pigeon gun" model, nine being of this description, and six of the half-grip style. All were of the hammerless pattern excepting two; Mr. Welch and Mr. Robbing using hammerguns.
Following is the make of guns and loads used:
Capt. A.W. Money - Greener, 7 1/2 pounds.
George Work - Purdy, 7 1/2 pounds.
Post -
Parker pigeon gun, 7 11-16 pounds.
Jim Jones - Scott, 7 3-16 pounds.
John B. Ellison - Scott, 7 1/4 pounds.
Fred Moore - Purdey, 7 7-16 pounds.
Leonard - Westly Richards, 7 1/2 pounds.
Mott - Crown grade Greener, 7 2-16 pounds.
J.S. Robbins - Greener hammer gun, 7 1/2 pounds.
R. Welch - Purdey hammer gun, 7 1/2 pounds
Downing - Scott, 7 6-16 pounds.
J.K. Palmer – Francotte, 7 1/2 pounds.
Edwards - Scott Premier, 7 pounds.
J. Wolstencroft - Greener, 6 15-16 pounds.
Eckert - Scott Premier, 7 1/4 pounds.
Shells were 45 - 48 grains / 3 1/4 - 3 1/2 drams smokeless powder and 1 1/4 oz.
Capt. Money (2nd in the 1894 GAH) and George Work (3rd in the 1893 GAH) tied at 94 killed.
I've seen numerous references in
Sporting Life to a Parker Pigeon Gun. Harvey McMurchy convinced the Hunter Bros. to introduce a new grade called the "Pigeon Gun" in 1893, which was basically a Quality No. 3 with special engraving. What features made a Parker a "Pigeon Gun"; special engraving, etc.? When was a "Pigeon Gun" first offered?
"Tuck" Tucker's AAH (if I remember correctly) is no longer on the Ivory Beads site BTW.