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

[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.

[Joseph Borin]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

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.

Hi...I've come to realize that Parker Brothers experts are a niche community and maybe most GS aren't versed in this world. That said...I'd be willing to bring it to a Parker Brothers aficionado to confirm exactly what I have. It has not been shot in over 30 years or more, and no plans to do so.

I will post more pics and details when I get it back. I assume water board is important. I appreciate this dialogue. Again, I have little clue what I have but am learning. Thank you, Edgar.

[ArtS]

I checked the serialization book and it had no record of your gun. This was common for the O grade guns. They were for some reason excluded from the data (not all guns have existing data anyway). I checked as to factory records (see the home page) and there does appear to be some sort of records available for your gun, so I too would advise obtaining a factory record.

You asked about the back action dates and they were pretty much pre-1874. I own one and there is no mistaking them; thay look nothing like the later locks. Yours is not. It is also, as Edgar stated. likely a 0 grade. From appearances it has seen a long hard life. One thing not mentioned is the barrel steel. At this date it would be either Damascus or Twist of some form (possibly Laminated). The barrel rib extension should designate the type of steel.

You haven't asked about value but are talking around the point. Heirloom guns often have a draw to the family but the marketplace doesn't pay attention to that. If the gun you have is on face and the inside of the barrels are not severely pitted, my opinion is thatvit would likely sell for something under $1000. If it is loose and/or the barrels are pitted, it would be a sold as essentially a decorator piece. You need to be realistic if you decide to part with it.