Adopted a fairly early GH today:

[Bruce B.]

I located and purchased a fairly early (1889) GH today. It's a #1 frame 12 gauge with 30" tubes that shine (inside) and a touch of "case color" left on the frame. I didn't see anything but a used, untouched vintage Parker that was up for adoption. This gun was a consignment and I have been very busy lately adopting these wayward guns. This is my fourth Parker and my sixth double gun in the last couple of months. I'm looking at a heavily engraved "Manton" tomorrow with "Royal Damascus" barrels, could be a "keeper". Now this old Parker has seen better days but it needed a good home so here's a few photos I took today with poor light, though I'll take the sunshine over a snow day anytime. There is too much light on the butt stock photo, it really doesn't look like that. Didn't have to lay down too much cash 'cause that's how I roll. The engraving is of the earlier style without the football border. It also has the early "Dogs Head" butt plate with a snipe. Enjoy:

[OH Osthaus]

nice

serial number or year it was birthed?

[Dean Romig]

You're a lucky guy to get one of the early ones in such great shape!

[Bruce B.]

Dean, It's #57109...1889, not in the book.

[Mills]

That is a very nice gun. I love the early Grade 2 hammerless engraving. Mine aren't in nearly that good a shape

[Bruce B.]

The underside barrel flat denotes a "4" (barrel weight) and "D" Damascus. The gun is tight on face. There is a real small dent in the left barrel and the stock will "flex" left and right just a smidgen, it may need a staple...or perhaps more. I am close to being a "Bottom Feeder" for price and value, so in my world these old Parkers usually have a wart or two. It kind of goes with the territory.

[Bruce B.]

Just received my "Parker Pages Journal" and learned the earliest 12 gauge hammerless reported was gun #55845. My earlier assumption that today's find was a "fairly early" hammerless has been confirmed. I also learned the earliest Parker on a 1-1/2 frame was #83000. My GH 1-1/2 is #84807, also reasonably early one. My new membership is paying dividends already.

[Autumn Daze]

Bruce, I believe 55295 is the first hammerless gun.

[charlie cleveland]

youmade a good find there...most do not have any colors left on them... should be a fine shooter its already a good looker.... charlie

[Bruce B.]

Thank you Dave. The earliest known surviving hammerless is #55845, not the earliest one manufactured. Oops