D3 1886 Lifter 2 Barrel Set:

[Bruce P Bruner]

My interpretation only, knowing some records are missing.
The Serialization Book lists 43 Parker Lifter two barrel sets.
8 gauge - 1
10 gauge - 15
11 gauge - 1
12 gauge - 26
Early “D” quality (quality or grade indeterminate)
28” - 3 12 gauge
32” - 2 12 gauge
Early “O” quality, four digit sn. quality code zero
30” - 2 12 gauge
32” - 1 10 gauge
Early “DS” quality, low quality decarbonized steel
26” - 1 11 gauge
Early “T” quality, twist steel used on low grade guns
26” - 1 12 gauge
Grade 2 guns (E,F,G & H) with Damascus steel barrels
24” - 2 1- 10 gauge, 1- 12 gauge
28” - 2 10-gauge, 1- 12 gauge
30” - 5 1- 10 gauge, 4- 12 gauge
32” - 1 10 gauge
“PT” quality code, grade 0 guns with plain twist barrels
26” - 2 1- 8 gauge, 1- 12 gauge
28” - 4 3- 12 gauge, 1- 10 gauge
30” - 3 12 gauge
“D3” Grade 3 guns with Damascus steel
28” - 3 2- 10 gauge, 1- 12 gauge
30” - 2 10 gauge
32” - 3 1- 10 gauge, 2- 12 gauge
“D6” Grade A guns with Damascus steel
30” - 2 10 gauge
“L2” Grade 2 Laminated Steel
30” - 1 12 gauge
“T0” Grade zero with twist steel
30” - 1 12 gauge

[GunnerGrilli]

Bruce that is a Fantastic Parker, you did well to pick that one up. Congrats sir. Very nice.


Bobby

[Bruce P Bruner]

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Chuck Bishop for his expediency in researching my shotgun. Thank you!

Note the length of the shells ordered. Mr. Tibballs was certainly outfitted adequately. The 3-1/4" paper shells were probably empty hulls to be hand loaded. Three inch nickel shells will have to be substituted with 2-7/8" ones, due to availability.
I have identified the Laminated barrel set as “Pointille” pattern, found on many grades of Parkers around c.1890. Some Lettered Damascus guns actually are fitted with Laminate Steel barrels.

Hello Mr. Bruner,

Parker shotgun, serial number 47282, was ordered by H.L. Tibballs of the Washington Territories on February 13, 1886 and shipped on April 4, 1886. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 16, it was a Quality D, Lifter Action Hammer Gun, 10 gauge. It featured Damascus steel barrels with a length of 32 inches and choked to shoot “close”. Also ordered was a set of 32” Laminated steel barrels requested to be bored cylinder. Accessories ordered were: #320 Shell top gun case $12.00, #87 Ammunition case $7.00, #330 Rod $3.00, #213 Choke bore cleaner $.85, #1145 Breach cleaner $1.25, #31 Closer $1.75, 3 dozen 3” nickel shells $9.00, 200 paper 3 1 4” shells $2.60, #1185 Capper $1.25, and #83 Cartridge belt $6.50.

The price was $185.45 less 20%.

According to Parker Bros. Stock Book No. 17, the stock configuration was a capped pistol grip and its specifications were: Length of Pull: 14 1/2”, Drop at Heel: 3”, Weight: 11 pounds and 1 ounce with Damascus barrels and 10 pounds 11 ounces with Laminated barrels. The chokes were patterned RH 200 pellets and LH 200 pellets of size 8 shot in a 24” circle at 45 yards for the Damascus barrels and RH 125 pellets and LH 125 pellets of size 8 shot in a 24” circle at 45 yards for the Laminated barrels.

[Stan Hoover]

Thanks for sharing your great acquisition Bruce, that is a great find.

Stan

[Bruce P Bruner]

I requested some more photos before the gun was packaged for shipment. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that the gun will ship to my home. Considering it’s being shipped from California it’s one more blessing I can count. The packager said the 12 gauge shell was loose fitting. Chambers look clean. The breach walls appear rather thick. Looks as if it’s in need of good oil wipe down.

[charlie cleveland]

is it a 12 ga.....just hoping for you....charlie

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by charlie cleveland

is it a 12 ga.....just hoping for you....charlie

No luck for that Charlie. The Damascus set is choked and the Laminate set is cylinder. Both sets are 10 gauge, letter says 3”. Kind of wonder if it’s really 3” or the norm of 2-7/8”. I’ll measure everything after FedEx shows up.

[Jim DiSpagno]

A set of “Lil Skeeters 10 ga to 12 ga remedies that problem. Like shooting a back bored 12 ga

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Jim DiSpagno

A set of “Lil Skeeters 10 ga to 12 ga remedies that problem. Like shooting a back bored 12 ga

Blasphemy !!!! If ya got a 10 shoot 10’s in it

[Bruce P Bruner]

I have more shotgun’s than I have time to shoot. If I want to shoot a 12 there are plenty to choose from. I am aware of gauge reducers, just never felt the need. Jim, I appreciate your thoughtful suggestion. I’m happy to hand load the old fashioned way with all brass shells. They have never failed me. Slow and time consuming, but I have a lot of time on my hands.