Serial number 4297

[Jeffrey H. Smith]

And the barrel bolsters.... I thought general grade differentiation started there along with the number of pins? The pin count might be related to the gun being either front action or rear action locks?? I recall reading about that but can't remember where now. But basically the rear action lock required more wood to be removed from the inner stock thus making the stock wrist somewhat weaker. I think these are the 3 pin guns. The 4 pin guns have the front action lock that required more metal be milled out to provide the needed spacing, thus providing the stock to be stronger. Is that correct?
It seemed the mid-1870's was a very transitional time in design with the addition of Charles King to the design team. I believe he began implementing changes and new patents very soon during this time. I think King ended up with like 14 or 15 patents, maybe more through the years of his tenure with Parker? (I really need to get my hands on the TPS, cause I'm sure most of my Q's have answers in those 2 volumes) Anyway... Also as Dean mentioned there were several price changes in the gun grades during this periods as well. Not to diminish the quality of Rob's gun at all, but the historical pictures of Grade 2 guns of that era bare much more resemblance to his gun than the Grade 3's.
Again, I'm in no way referring to down grade anyone's gun as any Parker is truely a unique and special gun of fine workmanship and historical significance. I'm only trying to better understand the history of these remarkable guns, particularly the early grade lifters of the 1870's.
I and others might benefit from any clarification that those of you with far more knowledge than I of this era could provide. Thank you

[Rob Marshall]

Mr. Smith, that is a really nice Parker. I hope to own one some day that nice. The engraving looks like fireworks exploding. I really like the Dog guns and the engraving that tells a story, but most of those guns are out of my reach.

I learn something new about these old Parkers just about every day on this site by searching the old threads. I really need to invest in The Parker Story too.

I wonder what is the lightest weight 10ga Parker ever built?

[Pa SxS]

Let me try and explain a few things about how I determined both Rob's and Jeffery's Dollar Grade. Remember, there are no Order Books for these guns, order books started in 1877.

Rob's gun was made in 1874. The stock book shows the barrel steel as Twist. Looking at the 1874 Price list, a 10ga. gun with Twist steel barrels sold for $55,65, or 80 dollars. With Stub Twist steel, I'd say his was either a $55 or $65 Dollar Grade gun.

Jeffery's gun was also made in 1874 but his barrel steel was Damascus. Looking at the 1874 price list shows 4 different offerings in 10ga. with Damascus steel barrels. They could be 105, 150, 200, or 250 Dollar Grades. I stated in Jefffery's letter that the grade could not be determined. I believe it's the $105 Dollar Grade but I can't put it in the letter if I'm not sure. I'm not sure where Jeff came up with $100 - $105 grades. And remember, at this point in time, Parker didn't use terms like D grade or grade 3. That started about 1882.

Also, do not make assumptions on stampings such as the "S" found on both guns. You can think it is for Stokes but you don't know for sure. The stock books list the contractor who signed off on each phase of the gun and the name Stokes is not found on either gun entry. The same holds true for all the other stampings we see on Parker shotguns.