My duBray-Connected Parker

[Ed Blake]

The gun recently found a new owner on this board, and maybe he’ll post any subsequent research on it if he finds anything of note. When I found the gun I was sure it was meant to be used as a Fowler, and maybe it was. However, I believe it was purchased as a live pigeon gun. My rationale is information I got from Cyril Adams’ “Live Pigeon Trapshooting” book published in 2017. Chapter 3 discusses pigeon guns and on page 130 he describes the “normal” American pigeon gun as existent in 1880: 10 bore at 9-10.5 lbs, 13.75” to 14.5” LOP; 3-3.5” drop. This pretty much describes this gun to a “T”. The special treatment of the rib convinces me even more that this was made as a money gun. Was it a Fowler? Probably but I’m convinced it was also used to shoot box birds. I’m especially curious about why this rib treatment was so uncommon when it works so well to cut glare. Evidence as a pigeon gun might be entirely circumstantial but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Ed Blake

The gun recently found a new owner on this board, and maybe he’ll post any subsequent research on it if he finds anything of note. When I found the gun I was sure it was meant to be used as a Fowler, and maybe it was. However, I believe it was purchased as a live pigeon gun. My rationale is information I got from Cyril Adams’ “Live Pigeon Trapshooting” book published in 2017. Chapter 3 discusses pigeon guns and on page 130 he describes the “normal” American pigeon gun as existent in 1880: 10 bore at 9-10.5 lbs, 13.75” to 14.5” LOP; 3-3.5” drop. This pretty much describes this gun to a “T”. The special treatment of the rib convinces me even more that this was made as a money gun. Was it a Fowler? Probably but I’m convinced it was also used to shoot box birds. I’m especially curious about why this rib treatment was so uncommon when it works so well to cut glare. Evidence as a pigeon gun might be entirely circumstantial but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Ed, I think your "story" is a pretty good one, and I'd stick to it, too, until some other facts come to light.

[JAMES HALL]

Ed look close at the picture Randy Roberts posted

[Randy Roberts]

Originally Posted by JAMES HALL

Ed look close at the picture Randy Roberts posted

Makes you wonder doesn't it.

[Ed Blake]

I was thinking the same thing. The gun looks big enough.

[Craig Budgeon]

I don't think you will find another Parker that duplicates the gun under discussion. The knurling itself is of such poor quality I cannot believe Parker Bros. would ever try to duplicate it again. The knurling is overrun, veers in either direction, is not strait, stops between lines, and is very faint in the center of the rib. I agree with ArtS that the work was done on a lathe using a narrowed diagonal knurl. A delivery made in less than 30 days or possibly an outside vendor may have contributed to the poor quality. I also noticed Parker did not charge for the chased rib. With that said, I can find room in my safe for that gun.

[Bill Murphy]

Lefever offered a similar chased rib that was very well done with no irregularities.