parker P grade 8 gauge

[aaron hackenmueller]

Well, it was ordered from baucher bros. In june 1883. The letter is at my parents but he said it is a P hammerless? The hammers added later or is it a mistake. Weighs almost 15 lbs., plain twist barrels-did they stamp the grade on this gun and where can i find it, 90% of case colors under forearm and some by barrel lug. Bore has some minor pitting but definately shootable. Hasnt been shot since1967. All proofs are nice on goes back to1875. I wish i knew more. Is the grade of the shotgun stamped on the lug where the frame size stamp is? Confused.

[Bill Murphy]

If the grade is stamped, it will be stamped on the water table of the action. Before worrying much about other details, get the letter and the gun in one place and tell us what you see. The "proofs" you refer to are probably patent dates which don't tell a lot about an individual gun. A 15 pound eight gauge would be an exceptionally heavy Parker. Your gun, if characteristic of the gauge, would more likely weigh from 11 to 12 1/2 pounds.