Parker Internal Hammer Sidelock Gun

[Kensal Rise]

Depending on who made them, maybe they didn't "spoil" anything. If these are Parker efforts - or perhaps even test prototypes - they were possibly made up in the shop with bits on hand. Thus, no existing guns were sacrificed. Even if they were, it was a "cost of doing business" for Parker.

It will be interesting to see what the "letter" has to say...

[Dean Romig]

It would be interesting to see the date of the first of these conversions in comparison to the date of the first hammerless Parkers.

[edgarspencer]

John, By 'spoiled' I didn't mean so much as being rendered useless, as much as I meant it took a Swan, and turned it into an ugly duckling. This is just my opinion, as I have come to believe that the sculpted bolster Parker hammer gun is perhaps one of the most pleasing, to the eye, as any I have seem, and that is a lot of guns.
I fully appreciate that, as a prototype, or trial model, all aspects of a potential marketable gun had, as yet, been finalized. It would seem to me that had this example been of Parker's hand, and even if made from bits about the shop, a Parker safety would have been used, rather than, as Brian suggests, a Lefever safety.

[Todd K.]

I have to agree. To me a high grade hammer gun is the ultimate Parker. My first thought was why did they ruin that nice hammer gun? Still it is interesting.

[JLoew]

I spent a good deal of time with this gun and it is quite an interesting gun. The cocking rods are similar to a Lefever but not quite the same.

[Kensal Rise]

Forgive me fellows. But I'm still wondering if anyone has proof that this gun/guns were actually made up at Parker's, and if so, is there any time frame that can be substantiated with documentation?

Or... did I miss something along the way?

[C grade]

Kieth
There is one of these guns in the hands of a collector in Seattle. He has read me the PGCA letter from Kirby that appears to authenticate the gun. I will post the letter when I receive it, hopefully shortly.
David

[Phil C]

I have a hammerless LC Smith that was converted in a similar way. Bought it from the son of the last barrel maker, along with a a lot of other neat items. Gun is marked AP Curtis. I will try to take pictures tomorrow.

[JLoew]

Photos? Letters? We would love to see them.

[Phil C]

Josh I pulled it out of the safe and took pictures. It is different then what I remembered, but unusual just the same. I am having computer issues and am having difficulty posting pictures. I can send you the pictures if you could post them.