11-Gauge Parkers

[Richard B. Hoover]

Chuck,

I am posting Part I of the DGJ Article. The Table with data on the Dimensions of Early Shells is on Pg. 72. I also post images of these early 11-gauge shells. As you can see, the head diameters (0.825") are much to large for a fireformed 12A or 12 Paper shell (0.810") but appropriate for a true 11-ga chamber. These shells are extremely rare, and to my knowledge no one has any shells with dimensions like these with a Parker Headstamp or designated "11A". If anyone does, it would be wonderful to hear from them.


Yours,

Richard

[Richard B. Hoover]

Forrest,

I attach a picture of one of the Game Scene Ovals of #3561 with a Pointer and Setter on point and back as a Timber Doodle flushes from the rich Marsh Land of Southern Louisiana, where Aristide Monnot had his vast Sugar Plantations and Refineries. I also attach a photo of me with my GrandDads old Parker and Bonnie my faithful hunting dog. The ducks were brought down with 12-gauge shells in the sleeved chambers of the 11-bore Parker (unfortunately not a double) and retrieved by Bonnie. She died at the age of 15 shortly after this picture was taken. Bonnie was fast as the wind and had many NSTRA and NAVHDA awards. She retrieved many a dove, quail, grouse, woodcock, geese, duck and shoes (she kept bringing them from my closet until she was given a reward). That girl had a sense of humor like no dog I have ever known. There will never be another one like her and she will always be missed. But you have to move on and Miriam and I will pick up my new (49 day old) Brittany Pup tommorrow. I am taking an 11-gauge Parker along to make sure the pup I choose will have no fear of the sound of thunder and love the smell of gunpowder.


Yours,

Richard

[Austin W Hogan]

Richard ; Please contact me at

austin.w.hogan@valley.net

Brst, Austin

[Richard B. Hoover]

Chuck,

How did it go at the Southern. Did you get more neasurements whle you were there. I am extremely interested in hearing what you found. I very much wish I could have been there, but my wife did not feel well enough to make he trip and I could not leave her here alone. I have been very tied up during the last week with Miriam and he new Brittany pup that we just picked up on Thursday.

[Pa SxS]

Sorry to disappoint you Richard but nobody came forward at the Southern to have their barrels checked. I wasn't in the tent constantly but I left my barrel mic there for anyone to use.

[Hammer Gun]

Richard I am currently in Tenn, will be here till Tuesday once back home I will be able to get that info for you. Gary

[Richard B. Hoover]

Gary,

Will your travels take you anywhere near Huntsville? If you could drop by I would love to meet you and talk about hammer Parkers and show you some interesting documents. If you have a spare moment, please give me a call (256-337-4082).

Richard

Richard

[Hammer Gun]

Richard I am hosting a prevost rally here in Tenn, 50 people and the only time I get is right about bed time to answer e=mails, will call when I get back to V.A. Thanks Gary

[Carl Baird]

Hi,
I have an 11 ga. that I am cleaning up a bit. I have had the bores cleaned to a mirror finish. The gun is a strange animal. Great shape, but came to me with a Tiger Maple stock and an unadorned walnut forend. It was made in 1884 and has the more conventional top lever. I have not done anything to the gun, other than cleaning out the barrels. As you mentioned, it will work as a 12 ga.
I'm trying to determine what was original, the Tiger Maple stock or the forend. No checkering on the forend (may have worn off), and looks like 18LPI checkering on the stock. If the stock is not original, it was very well done. Either case it is old. Very substantial gun. Came with stub twist barrels. All serial numbers match. Grade is "T".
Any body know if Parker ever made Maple stocks?
I'm about to send in a letter on it.
Thanks,
Carl

[Richard B. Hoover]

Carl,

A letter would be useful, but I am wondering why you think it is an 11-gauge. If the barrels have bores that have been honed their dimensions can not be used to establish that the gun is an 11-gauge. Also it is clear that all Parker 11-gauge guns seem to have been made before Serial Number 6000. It would be helpful if you could post photos of the stock, forend and barrels. Also, do the serial numbers match?

Richard