New CHE

[Bruce Day]

At least one quarter of the early C's and all of the late C's had some unusual and often unique animal or bird on the floor plate engraving. I have not seen your particular gun before but it is certainly pleasing. At least half the B grades and all A grades I have seen have unusual animal or bird scenes, with the exception of those few guns that are entirely rose and scroll. A week ago I posted a photo of a C with a single mallard taking flight. I have a C with a single standing wood duck. Other themes include setters on point, falcons. woodcock, standing prairie chickens, etc. A good friend has one with outstanding engraving of a ruffed grouse in full display.

I know of about five guns in B's and A's with rabbits depicted. I'm sure there are others. About a year ago I posted an photo of the bottom of an A grade showing rabbits playing in a forest bower scene. On the trigger guard bow, a fox is looking intently at the rabbits. I have seen about 4-5 others with foxes shown.

Anyone see the sailing ship on the shorebird gun?

High grade Parkers are all about variation. That's why people collect more than one.

PS. I straightened the screw on the bottom Runge engraved C since this picture was taken.