Information for an old Parker Lifter type

[Mark Herndon]

Ok, here's my story. My wife and I have an antique shop in Central Virginia. We have a lot of fun with it and meet some really great people. We have developed a good reputation with other antiques dealers so they buy or trade with us. Last night I worked a trade with a dealer where I traded away a 1700's bronze signal cannon and an Arts and Crafts grandfather clock. What I received in return was a Forehand and Wadsworth 22 pistol and what is reported to be a Parker double barrel 1866 14 guage. 1st question, is this possible? Did Parker make a 14 guage? I saw from your resources that records are not available for prior to 1874. This gun is stamped 1866, decarbonized. Serial numbers on all pieces match (0968). The gun is in beautiful condition and I suspect was professionally refurbished. I am adding a link to a google album I built as it's alot more convenient than trying to attach all the pics.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as I wanted to ensure this is a real Parker and not some Frankenstein creation.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sA2jSRJ3W7GtLPSV8

[Dean Romig]

Mark, what a beautiful Parker that is!!!
I’ll stick my neck out and say I don’t believe the gun has been refurbished. The wear to the checkering to me spells ‘original’ and the caseHardened color on the frame has enough wear to be original as well. You sir have a wonderful early Parker!





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[Mark Herndon]

I forgot to say that a 12g shell does not fit, a 16g has 1/16th to 1/8th inch play and a 20g drops thru.

[Big D]

Hmm. A 20 gauge shell will not fall thru a 12 gauge gun (it will drop thru the chamber, but sticks in the barrel). Does your 20 gauge shell go all the way thru the barrel?

[double barrel]

Mark, yes Parker did make some 14 ga shotguns.

[B. Dudley]

It would not be an 1866 manufacture. That would be a patent date for one of Parkers very early gun patents. 1869 was when “Parker Brothers” was started. Anything earlier than that would be marked differently. Meriden Manufacturing or Chas Parker Maker.
Given the low serial number. It is likely 1869 or 1870 manufacture.

I agree with dean that likely most of the gun is original finishes. It is what we call a “Back Action” gun.

[Mark Herndon]

On the question of the 20 gauge shell , not sure. The guy told me the 20 guage shell went in the bore, do not remember if he said that it dropped all the way thru. The 16 gauge and 12 gauge I physically tried.
The barrel channel does say Parker Bros Makers, Meridian Conn, Decarbonized Steel.

[B. Dudley]

14 bore was a thing. It could also be 12 brass vs. paper.

[Harold Pickens]

would make a great Parker Pages write up, what a find

[Mark Herndon]

As a side note, since I am an antiques dealer and while I appreciate the outstanding quality that Parker guns carry , it will be for sale once I gather a proper evaluation. I do like to make my customers feel they got a great deal but I also like to ensure I did not cheat myself.