B Grade 8 GA

[Jonathan Engle]

Hi all,

Im still here, alive and well. I had this gun appraised recently and let me tell you that initial investment of $235 has done well over the years! Below is some information from the Factory Letter. Enjoy!

Parker shotgun, serial number 77xxx, was sent to the World's Fair Colombian Exposition in Chicago IL on March 17,1893. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 34, it was a Quality B, top action hammer gun, 8-gauge. It featured Damascus steel barrels with a length of 34 inches. The price was $200.00 plus $35.00 for 8ga. barrels. According to Parker Bros. Stock Book No. 27, the stock configuration was a capped pistol grip and its specifications were: Length of Pull: 14 1/4", Drop at Heel: 2 1/2,Weight: 7 pounds and 12 ounces. The chokes cannot be determined. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 35, the gun was returned from the World's Fair Colombian Exposition on December 5, 1893. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 36, the gun was consigned on January 27, 1894 and shipped on January 29,1894 to E.K. Tryon Jr. & Co, of Philadelphia Pa. The price was $235.00.

This is what the appraisal said.....

Ultra Rare Parker Brother Gun Company B Grade 8 Top Lever Bore Hammer Double Shotgun with Original Case made for the Columbian Exposition, Circa 1893. 34” barrels engraved on the rib “Parker Bros. Makers, Meridan, Conn. Damascus Steel”. Game scene and scroll checkered fancy grade walnut pistol grip stock and forend. Engraved skeleton steel butt plate and shield shaped un-engraved gold escutcheon at the wrist. Fancy gold butt cap. All original and complete. Superb condition overall with most of the original color case hardening and brown Damascus barrel finish. Stock and forend with the original finish and excellent condition. Mint bores and perfect working order. Essentially unused and kept in dry storage for many years. Factory Letter states it was shipped on March 17, 1893 to the world’s Fair Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois (as a factory display piece) and shipped back to the factory in December 1893. It was consigned on January 27, 1894 to Tryon & Co. Philadelphia, PA. at a price of $235. The accompanying green baize lined leather luggage case is contemporary to the gun and possibly a factory original. The brass plate on the lid exterior is engraved “P. Roberts, Jr./ Philadelphia”. Interior lining very good and all original. Three piece B.G.I Co. 3-piece 8 Bore cleaning rod. Spectacular in every respect. One of possibly two “B” grade 8 bore hammer guns made.