New Parker, no letter

[John Powers]

I have a new Parker, 10 ga, 32" barrels, serial number 12683. Since there is no information available, is it a dollar grade? It appears t be a grade 3, but pretty nice for a three. So, opinions would be greatly appreciated. The barrels are getting some loving. Mirror bores, but Damascus pattern needs some help. Thanks

[Dean Romig]

It's a Grade 3 for certain and a really nice one too! It is nearly a twin to my 14056 but yours is in much nicer condition.

Mine is listed as a L3 and I would like to know are the barrels on yours L or D (Laminated Steel or Damascus Steel)?

Yours was made in 1878 and mine was made in 1879 but it is clear to me that the same engraver worked on both of our guns.

Unfortunately the hammers were cannibalized from mine before I got the gun.

Congratulations on your very fine Grade 3 lifter!

[John Powers]

They are Fine Damascus. Thanks Dean

[Dean Romig]

John, is that what is engraved on the top rib, Fine Damascus?

[Alfred Greeson]

Trying to learn from you guys. This is a beautiful gun, thanks for the pictures. The Damascus pattern appears to be different, barrel to barrel. Are they possibly different Damascus patterns, just look that way with uneven wear or is it possible they are different as if they were done so as a salesman's sample that I have read somewhere?

[Dean Romig]

Alfred, it is my belief - though not proven - that the Laminated Steel barrels on my gun, 14056, were actually made by Parker Bros. Charles A. King, superintendant of the Parker Bros. Gun Works was deposed in a congressional hearing and he said that the only barrels Parker had ever made were during the years 1877, 1878, and 1879 and that they had manufactured them in segments. Also note the P on the barrel flat where the barrel steel was customarily stamped. The "P" is not, and never was, the designation stamp for any of the other barrel steel types that Parker Bros. used... (the later Laminated Steel tubes that Parker imported were stamped with an L - hence my strong belief that Parker Bros made them. And the different segments are quite clear in the pattern - a rear segment for both barrels and likewise, a front segment for each.

John Powers - I humbly apologize for hijacking your thread.

Back to your gun... I'm, very envious of yours.

[John Powers]

Since I don't have the barrels in hand, as they were sent off, I have additional photos of the barrels. Dean, no apology needed, thanks. Perhaps, I used fine loosely and if I remember correctly, it just has Damascus Steel on the top rib.

[Dean Romig]

There's the grade of your gun John - the 3 stamped directly above the four-digit order number.

[John Powers]

So, this would be a number grade and not a dollar grade?

[Dean Romig]

Right. at a quick scan in the Serialization book I see grade numbers back to serial no. 4400.