Page 440 - 4092-BOOK2-FLIPBOOK

LOT 1504
Historic Elaborately Engraved Parker Brothers AAHE Pigeon Gun Double Barrel Shotgun with Gold Grip Cap Inscribed to Whiskey Distiller R.D. Clarke of Peoria, Illinois - Serial no. 140450, 12 gauge,
30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1907, during the heyday of live
pigeon shooting. The popular shooting sport even made its
one and only appearance in the 1900 Paris Olympics, just 7 years prior to this gun being built. Specialized pigeon guns were generally built with longer
barrels, high combs, tighter chokes, and often no safety, very similar to modern trap guns. Single bead sight on the matte concave rib marked “PIGEON GUN PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN, CONN. WHITWORTH STEEL” with 2 3/4 inch chambers, standard markings on
the flats, automatic ejectors, and modified/full chokes. The water table is marked with the patent dates and “7/140450/A”. There are 2 1/2 inch wedges of deep cut scroll and vine engraving on the breech ends of both barrels. The receiver features full coverage, bold, floral
engraved fittings and pistol grip stock with inset gold initial oval inscribed “R.D. CLARKE/PEORIA/ ILI”, fancy fleur-de-lis carved accents, checkered flats, and leather wrapped recoil pad over a solid hard rubber buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements are: bore diameter at 9 inches from breech .735/.735 inch; bore constriction .023(modified)/.040(full); minimum wall thickness .042/.042 inch; drop at comb 1 3/4 inches; droop at heel 2 7/8 inches; length of pull 14 3/8 inches. The Clarke family of Peoria, Illinois, operated a distillery from 1862 up until Prohibition. In 1899, the “Clarke Bros.” firm was led by Charles C. Clarke and Chauncy D. Clarke who formed “The Whiskey Trust” and reportedly mercilessly worked to shutdown their competition throughout the Midwest and even beyond. Sometimes they even used dynamite! One of their brand names was “R.D.C. Bourbon.” Robert D. Clarke was the distillery’s manager at the turn of the century and was wealthy enough to afford to have Frank Lloyd Wright design an addition to his stables. In 1913, Robert Clarke became a vice-president in the company. He was also involved in other regional businesses including the Commercial German National Bank. See “Peoria’s Clarke Brothers & The Whiskey Trust” by Jack Sullivan in Bottles and Extras (September - October, 2009 issue) available online for more information on the family.
CONDITION: Fine. 60% blue remains with some areas of mild thinning, small scratches, and some light spotting. The receiver has 20% of the original case colors, predominantly in the protected areas, with the remaining areas an overall dark uniform gray patina, and detailed
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and scroll engraving with interwoven floral blooms,
“PARKER BROS.” marked on the underside, and artfully
sculpted fences. The trigger guard, break lever, and tangs
are engraved to match. With dual gold washed triggers and tang mounted automatic sliding safety. Finely checkered splinter forearm with
engraving. The refinished wood is very fine with the added recoil pad, crisp checkering and some small dings. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: A.W. Pierce Collection.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000