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Cased Engraved Parker Brothers Quality 3 Double Barrel Two Barrel Set with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Cased Engraved Parker Brothers Quality 3 Double Barrel Two Barrel Set with Factory Letter
This two barrel set consists of a 28" and a 32" solid rib barrels. Both sets have a single brass bead sight with a concave solid rib marked "PARKER BROS MAKERS, MERIDEN CONN. DAMASCUS STEEL" flanked by arrows, and have 3" chambers with extractors and are marked with the 1876 patent date on the bottom flat. One of the barrels has mis-matched Damascus patterns which is explained in a letter dated July 29, 1993 from Roy W. Gunther. Gunther checked the records and found that the original purchaser was given a 20% discount when be bought it directly from the factory and he speculates that may have been the reason for the discount rather than Parker Bros. throwing away the barrel and making a new one. Gunther also states that he has seen this mis-matching before on other shotguns, but never a Parker Bros.. The receiver and side plates are casehardened and feature floral scroll engraving as well as a hunting dog field scene on each side plate, a game bird scene is on the bottom of the receiver. The hammer sides, break lever, forearm hardware, and trigger guard are engraved with the same scroll patterns. The shotgun is mounted with a checkered splinter forearm and pistol grip stock with tear drop flats, a hard rubber grip cap, skeletonized iron buttplate and checkered bare butt. The accompanying Parker factory letter confirms the serial number, the two barrel set and length of barrels, pistol grip stock, and that it was ordered by Rev. P.J. Kearney in Fulton, N.Y. on June 17, 1884 and shipped on September 27, 1884. The letter also gives the length of pull (14 1/4") and drop at the heel (2 7/8") which are still correct. Complete in a hard leather takedown trunk style case with green lining, tools, cleaning rod, and ends.
BBL: 28/32 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 10
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 41525


Very fine. The barrels (both sets) show approximately 80% original finish with thinning near the breech ends and virtually all of the Damascus pattern showing. The receiver has faded to a smooth silver gray patina with approximately half of the original case colors remaining. The side plates retain approximately 70% original case colors with the balance faded to a smooth gray. The wood is fine with a couple shallow gouges on the left rear of the stock and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. All markings and engraving are crisp and clear. The action is very good. The case is very good with a broken corner on the lid, some heavy edge and corner wear and overall mild to moderate scuffs and wear. The lining shows some wear, a few small holes and three broken corners on the trays that hold the barrels. The accessories are all good or better. A rare and unique two barrel set 10 gauge Parker.