Parker Live Bird Gun??

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

Scott, It is my belief that having no dolls head speeded up the loading/unloading process in competiton guns.

Because the shooter was less likely to catch some of his own flesh or even his necktie in there when closing the gun.

[C.O.B.]

I don't get how no dolls head can speed up loading. In either trap or live birds you call for the shot/bird so reloading speed would be a non issue wouldn't it?
I have a BHE with no safety, 32 inch bbls (damascuss) choked full and real full, straight stock with a high Monte Carlo comb and a splinter forearm. Is this live bird gun? Beats me I do like to shoot it though.

[Jeff K.]

This is vh 20 ga.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Jeff - I see where the mortise was filled in - do we know if Parker Bros. ever made frames without the mortise at all?

[Bill Murphy]

Those I have seen appear to have never been cut for the doll's head, or the cut was well hidden when filled in.

[Jeff K.]

My DH 12 ga. has no safety and no doll head. Even though it is engraved over, you can make out where they filled in the mortise with a loop.
My Trojan without an extension does not have a mortise.

[C.O.B.]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Because the shooter was less likely to catch some of his own flesh or even his necktie in there when closing the gun.

I'm glad I don't wear a tie when I shoot and I always wear gloves
My BHE has a Dolls head and I haven't lost any flesh yet...thankfully.

[Drew Hause]

Toward the end of 1901, Fred Gilbert received his new Parker DH SN 103649; no dolls head, no ejectors, 32`barrels, ordered by Russia Klien in Iowa.

I do not know the dimensions of his previous BH (which was/is in the safekeeping of a PGCA member) or the new DH, but after winning the DuPont Cup in 1895 the “Fred Gilbert Specifications” were drop at comb of 1 3/8 inches; at the heel, 2 inches; length from trigger to heel, 14 1/4 inches; trigger to toe 14 1/2 inches; and trigger to center of butt 14 inches; with a full pistol grip and 30-inch full choke barrels.

Did pretty good with the DH High average in both 1902 and 1903



Daryl: lots of information about "Tobacco Bill" Crosby about 1/2 way down here. He didn't use a Parker in competition until 1906
https://docs.google.com/a/damascuskn...iW-cpc/preview

[Twoatlow8]

With no dolls head you could not have ejectors, am I right?
So this would not speed loading as you would have to pick the empty's out.

[Dean Romig]

Yup. Like I said.... flesh and neckties.