Early EH

Mike Poindexter · 03-15-2011, 10:54 AM

I have been looking for a 32 inch 10 and I found several interesting things on this EH. The first thing that caught my eye was the side plate engraving--wasn't in the typical oval. Second, the roll pin was small compared to others. I looked in TPS and read about the May, 7, 1889 patent, which means the gun has non-rebounding strikers and was in the "first" issue of hammerless guns in 1889. Locks up tight, on a 2 frame, weighs 9lbs 8 oz and fits, so, I got it. Bores mic at .791 and the chokes are .776 right and .766 left. Chambers are 2 7/8 with a distinct step at the end into the cone. From what I read, this appears to be a common early bore and cone configuration for the use of brass hulls. Havent patterned it or lettered it, but they appear original and I'm betting it prints modified and full. Minor pitting throughout the bores, but about .040 MWT so I'm not concerned. Stripped and cleaned it because the right hammer fall was gummy, and found the sear spring stud was broken. Searched for a while, and had a very good gunsmith make a new one by hand from .070 spring stock. Works like a champ now. Hope the geese see it that way next winter.

Richard Flanders · 03-15-2011, 11:08 AM

Nice gun! Look forward to seeing future pics of it surrounded by deceased geese

Bill Murphy · 03-15-2011, 11:08 AM

That is a very nice early E. They were once the bargain of the Parker collecting world. That has gone to heck in a hurry!

Bruce Day · 03-15-2011, 11:33 AM

Congrats, Mike. I have the same in a GHE 12ga and that gun is potent for sure on ducks and long range pheasant. They are still a bargain for the workmanship, beauty and effectiveness of the gun, although I admit to doing the best I can to promote interest in these grade 2 damascus guns.

Outstanding guns when you find one that is unaltered, used but not abused, and well cared for, such as your new one.

Dean Romig · 03-15-2011, 11:55 AM

A very nice find. You should give yourself a pat on the back for that one.

10 bore · 03-15-2011, 05:34 PM

nice gun , i have the same thing in a 30 in. barrels same bore dia. as yours and choked .025 in both sides and shoots 85 % with 1 3/8ths oz 6 shot my number is 56630 you will love this gun for anything you hunt with it. love the light 10's

scott

Big Friend Ten (BFT) · 03-15-2011, 05:52 PM

I also have a 1889 EH 10 on a #2 Frame. It is my favorite waterfowl gun!

Labowner · 03-15-2011, 06:51 PM

My favorite ten is a 32" 3 frame NH I've had for a few years. It will pattern 89% right and 90% left wth 1 1/8 th of 7's.

Mike Poindexter · 03-15-2011, 07:07 PM

Thanks to all for all the kind words. This will strictly be a goose gun for me, and I don't reload for shotguns, so I have ordered two boxes of RST Nice Shot in 2's. Will shoot 2 shells for pattern, and save the other 18 for the geese. Even though a "light" 10, this is way too heavy for me to even consider packing around for pheasant or other birds. That's what 0 frame 16's are for!

Researcher · 03-15-2011, 07:38 PM

That just seems to be the way Parker Bros. engraved a lot of the early Quality 2 hammerless guns. My very early Quality 2, 56213 doesn't have any ovals around the birds. Here is a picture that shows the roll on my gun. Mine started life according to the letter as a 9 1/2 pound 2-frame 12-gauge, but the frame is stamped E?!?