Parker 16 gauge hammer gun help

nicholas sham · 08-20-2022, 09:42 AM

I bought a collection of guns which included a Parker, serial 01686. That's all I know and this gun is completely out of my wheelhouse so any info for identification and value would be appreciated. It appears operational and spacing between barrel and receiver is tight.

Steiner · 08-20-2022, 10:14 AM

It’s a very early lifter. A quick serial number check indicates no Parker records for the gun in the immediately available data base. You should consider spending the $40 to join our organization and you will quickly find it the best $40 you ever spent. The incredibly vast body of knowledge about all this Parker (and other guns) is mind boggling.

Dean Romig · 08-20-2022, 10:51 AM

It's an early Back Action Lifter. Lucky guy!!

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edgarspencer · 08-20-2022, 04:32 PM

Nicholas, what leads you to believe it's a 16ga.?

B. Dudley · 08-20-2022, 06:05 PM

The gun is in decent condition and appearingly complete and operational.
The breech balls look on the small side, so I would suspect smaller than 12g. But maybe not 16g. It could be 14g. With this one, careful measurements of the bores and chambers would be very important.

nicholas sham · 08-20-2022, 09:13 PM

I know the person I purchased the estate from who told me it had been his grandfathers gun and it was 16 gauge. I do not know for sure but I am assuming he knew based on the other items I bought.

edgarspencer · 08-21-2022, 08:54 AM

I agree with Brian that the breech balls appear small, and while experience says never say never, a quick scan of the serialization book shows no 16ga guns for many thousand serial numbers. The very first entry says 16ga but I think that may be an error, since no 16 shows up until the 16,000 range. You may have a gun which was returned at a later date for new barrels. I think if it turns out to be a genuine 16ga back action gun, serious students of early Parker’s would love to put eyes on it.

nicholas sham · 08-21-2022, 09:07 AM

I live in the Dallas, Texas area so if there is someone local to me that knows what they are doing I would certainly like to meet them!

Dean Romig · 08-21-2022, 11:30 AM

Edgar - Robin's 16 gauge B Lifter ( 15566 ) was the first graded 16 ga Parker but he discovered there were a couple of earlier 16's.

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edgarspencer · 08-21-2022, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Edgar - Robin's 16 gauge B Lifter ( 15566 ) was the first graded 16 ga Parker but he discovered there were a couple of earlier 16's.

Right. I was going from memory, and lately my CRS has flared up. I have 13563 highlighted as the first 16ga Parker.