What do the records say...

[John Cinkoske]

About a Parker Bros. 20, S/N 171718? I've seen it, but not recently.
I'd like to know if they match the details I know.
I may be able to get pictures in a few weeks...

[OH Osthaus]

the book says a 20 ga grade 0 26 inch plain twist barrels capped pistol grip stock

no extras


yes please - pictures when you get them

[edgarspencer]

Rick, It doesn't actually say Grade 0, merely Plain Twist, but many Grade 1 hammer guns had Twist as well as Laminated barrels. Who knows what grade it is till we see it. It has to be one of the highest SN# hammer guns, and most likely on an 0 frame. Certainly, I've never seen one so high, but have heard of special order hammer guns made in the early '20s. Sure hope the OP gets some pics. I can't wait!

[John Cinkoske]

"Parker Brothers Makers, Meriden Conn Parker Steel".
Is 'Parker Steel' a twist or laminate? Doesn't look like any I've seen.
Is there any factory reason it would have gorilla mainsprings? It's a bear to cock this one.
The owner calls it a P grade 'Fluted Frame'?
I'll not see him for awhile, but I will get photos.

[edgarspencer]

Parker Steel is a designation for the barrel steel used on the PH, and PHE. These Grade One guns also used Twist Steel. However, there are also Grade One hammer guns, and that's what the 'book' indicates 171718 to be.
Hammer springs on Parker locks are very strong, right out of the gate. I had an Austrian gunsmith friend of mine rework the springs in one of my guns and now they are very civilized, and I can cock both with my thumb on the way to the shoulder.

I'm wondering about the reference to 'flutes' as this usually pertains to the sculpting of the hammerless gun frame. The flutes on either side of the frame were changed from a longer flute to a short flute at about the same time as the safety button was changed.
The Serialization book has been known to contain errors, so you've got me wondering whether we're talking about a grade one hammer gun, or a grade one, P grade hammerless gun. The book says "PT, meaning barrel steel of plain twist, T, meaning Top lever Hammer gun, 0, meaning no options, such as special fore end, C, meaning capped pistol grip stock, 20, the gauge, 26, meaning the barrel length. Does this sound familiar?

[Dean Romig]

You're right Edgar. A T in the Action column indicates a Top lever.
The PT indicates the Grade 0 with Plain Twist barrels.... according to the Serialization book.

So, we know it is a hammer gun. If it was hammerless there would be a H in the action column.

[Bill Murphy]

Do you have a hammer gun or a hammerless gun. I assume the "flutes" are lightening cuts in the water table of the action, indicating a hammer gun. If you have an original 20 gauge hammer gun with Parker Steel barrels, you have a rare and unusual gun. However, we would need pictures to determine its originality.

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

You're right Edgar. A T in the Action column indicates a Top lever.
The PT indicates the Grade 0 with Plain Twist barrels.... according to the Serialization book.

So, we know it is a hammer gun. If it was hammerless there would be a H in the action column.

Except for the fact that certain guns, based upon their cost, not the extent of engraving, made them a Grade 1. (Such as a certain 16 gauge, 0 frame lifter, someone foolishly parted with) It would be exciting to think we're talking about a 20 gauge top lever hammer gun, based upon what the book says about the SN referenced in the first post, but the added comments re Parker Steel barrel legend, the owner reffering to P, and the knowledge the book has been 'off' in the past, I'm not sure what it really is.

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Do you have a hammer gun or a hammerless gun. I assume the "flutes" are lightening cuts in the water table of the action, indicating a hammer gun. If you have an original 20 gauge hammer gun with Parker Steel barrels, you have a rare and unusual gun. However, we would need pictures to determine its originality.

Good point, Bill. I never thought of the lightening cuts as 'flutes' but I guess they are.

[Bill Murphy]

Late Grade 1 hammer guns, unlike earlier Grade 1 hammer guns, which were very scarce and referred to as only "Grade 1" and only marked as such, were stamped P, just like a hammerless Grade 1. Guns marked such are scarce. The original poster says the owner of this gun refers to it as a P Grade, probably because of its rare marking on the water table.

[edgarspencer]

This has to be the highest SN 20ga. Hammer Gun. There were a few 10ga guns and a series of 12ga guns up in the 179K range. I think I was only able to find one 16ga Grade 2 with a higher Sn than my GFH(Gun From Hell), but there were a few 0 and 1 Grades above my 76544.