Quick Reference Guide to Parker Engravers

[Dean Romig]

In an effort to help Parker Collectors and those who appreciate the skill that goes into turning a blank steel palette into a work of art, I have put together this guide to the engravers who worked for Parker Brothers and later for Remington on their Parker Guns.

The levels of skill in the engraving department ranged from the chief or head engraver and the in-house engraving contractor to the senior engravers, the junior engravers and finally to the apprentice engravers.

The lower grades, OV, Grade 0, Grade 1, and Grade 2 were likely engraved by apprentice engravers and the scroll on the grade 1 and 2 was probably done by junior engravers. the finer scrollwork on grades 3, 4 and higher was likely done by senior engravers while the game scenes, dogs, and other animals was done by the chief or head engraver.

There is a great deal more to know about Parker engravers that can only be learned through reading the several books written about Parker guns, but especially The Parker Story.

The names listed next to the years of tenure are the chief engravers or department heads.

It is suggested that you copy and save the attached document and save it to your desktop so it will be within easy reach.

This listing isn't complete I'm sure, and as more info is discovered it can be added to this document.


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[Dean Romig]

For those who may have copied the first Image I posted, I had neglected to list Robert P. Runge, son of Robert R. Runge, who began at Parker in 1934 and went with his father and the entire Runge family to Ilion, NY when Remington mover the Parker operation there in '37.

I have since made that addition in the document.





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[mobirdhunter]

Dean, this is great information. Thanks for putting it together.

So, when I see the dogs engraved on DH grade guns from 1922, can I assume their by Runge? I've seen other engraving attributed to Anshsutz that does not look to be from the same hand as these dogs.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

Dean, I've seen other engraving attributed to Anshsutz that does not look to be from the same hand as these dogs.

Garry, I’ve seen a lot of opinions expressed on examples of engraving supposedly done by Frederick Anschutz. I’m of the mind that dogs and birds engraved by Robert R. Runge are often attributed to Anschutz but we need to remember that Anchutz died in 1930.






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[mobirdhunter]

Thanks, Dean. My training as an artist/art historian and printmaker helps me distinguish stylistic similarities and differences, but without knowing for sure who did what, one can only see those traits. It would be nice to have several examples known to be from either engraver's Parker dogs to help identify the engraver, but I think your trained eye and knowledge is good enough for me.

[Dean Romig]

Garry, I am certainly not the ‘last word’ on this subject but I have always believed that particular engraver to be Anschutz - but saying so might start an arguement.

One of the things that supports this opinion of mine is that we no longer see that style of dog, either setter or pointer, and some of the ducks and geese he engraved on floorplates of grade 4 guns, after very early in 1931...... Anschutz died on the job of a heart attack on December 31, 1930.






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[Dean Romig]

From page 224 of The Parker Story -

"Then in the 1920's dogs have a rather comic face and are all male. Probably the work of Fred Anschutz."

I have studied the engraved dogs referenced here and have found a number where the dogs' gender is not apparent, while most are decidedly male. This is another point that supports my opinion on Anschutz.





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[mobirdhunter]

They certainly look the same, and in my not nearly humble enough opinion, are not the best of the engraved of Parker dogs. The strong contour takes away from any suggestion of three dimensionality. I like the stylized earlier renditions. Dean, your supporting evidence convinces me -- thanks again.

[Keavin Nelson]

Thanks Dean!

[Dean Romig]

Gustauve Young ~ 1866 - 1869 was known to have engraved the very best of the Triplett & Scott guns (three engraved examples known to date), later setting up shop in Hartford, Ct and then moving his shop to Springfield, MA.

His style of engraving was a "distinctive (sparse) Germanic scroll with a stippled background.”
See page 80 of Vol. 1 of The Parker Story for an example of his work on a Triplett & Scott.
He also engraved for Parker as well as other gunmakers between 1869 and 1883.

Below is an 1880 Grade 3, 16-gauge Parker with Parker-made Laminated barrels, ser. no. 18719, of mine that I believe was engraved by Gustauve Young.

Triple click on the image to enlarge.


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