Double Barrel (External Hammers), 10 Gauge, Serial #35318

[Joseph Borin]

Hi...quick update. I had a gunsmith inspect the gun and here are the results:

Serial #35318
Grade: F
Gauge: 10
Back Action
Straight grip type
Splinter forend type
Checkered butt type
Barrel steel is Damascus
Barrel length is 32"

Should I send a history letter request to Chuck Bishop to ascertain the origin?

I will have it back in a week or so (vacations) and take pics to post. Thanks

[Joseph Borin]

Here are a few pics...

[Bill Murphy]

Joining PGCA will result in a savings on your letter that will almost pay for your annual membership. A gun of your grade is not likely to have been ordered by an individual, but the location of the retailer may be of some interest. The annual membership will get you four issues of our glossy magazine, which you will love.

[Joseph Borin]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Joining PGCA will result in a savings on your letter that will almost pay for your annual membership. A gun of your grade is not likely to have been ordered by an individual, but the location of the retailer may be of some interest. The annual membership will get you four issues of our glossy magazine, which you will love.

Would it be possible to have a letter produced, based on the specs listed above, and I can Venmo/PayPal Chuck or whoever else would be creating it? I'm cool with joining the PGCA community since I may have a few more Parkers - will find out when I go to the storage unit in a few weeks. thanks

[edgarspencer]

A PGCA research letter will not authenticate the gun as you have described it, but will only list the configuration in which it was made. Because of the low grade, it most likely will not state the butt treatment, but it likely was made with a plain steel butt plate, and quite unlikely would it have had a checkered butt. Additionally, the gun is not a back action. The term 'Back Action' refers to the location of the hammer spring Behind the Axle. Your gun is much later than back action locks.

[Joseph Borin]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

A PGCA research letter will not authenticate the gun as you have described it, but will only list the configuration in which it was made. Because of the low grade, it most likely will not state the butt treatment, but it likely was made with a plain steel butt plate, and quite unlikely would it have had a checkered butt. Additionally, the gun is not a back action. The term 'Back Action' refers to the location of the hammer spring Behind the Axle. Your gun is much later than back action locks.

I thought all original parts and an F grade is better than a refurbished B grade, no? Also, the gun smith identified back action. Were there some around that time (1883) that were? Appreciate the comments and edification. I know nothing about these guns and would be willing to sell reasonably.

I also have a Colteer .22 LR tube loader.

I'm not a gun expert in the least and am just reacting to what my dad has passed down. thanks

[edgarspencer]

Originally Posted by Joseph Borin

I thought all original parts and an F grade is better than a refurbished B grade, no? Also, the gun smith identified back action. Were there some around that time (1883) that were? Appreciate the comments and edification. I know nothing about these guns and would be willing to sell reasonably.

Your gunsmith meant well, but he got a lot of it wrong. It is Not a back action. "F" is not a grade, but a 'Quality Level' (E,F,G & H) within Grade Two guns, specifically designating 10ga., Straight Stock. (E was a Pistol Grip 10ga, G & H were 12ga)
All of that aside, It isn't a quality level F anyway, as the gun is not a grade 2. from the limited views in your pictures, it's hard to say for certain, but it does appear to be a Grade 0, or possibly a Grade 1 (lack of any engraving suggests it's a Grade 0.

Did your gunsmith say anything about it being off face? Appears to be, and for that alone, I would suggest not shooting it. Also, the right hammer appears to have been repaired.