Page 356 - 4092-BOOK3-FLIPBOOK

354
LOT 3546
Outstanding Engraved
and Gold Inlaid Parker
Brothers 16 Gauge Neil
Hermsen Upgraded A1-S
Grade Double Barrel
Shotgun - Serial no. 214603,
16 gauge, 32 inch solid rib
bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured
in 1925 as a GHE Grade gun and subsequently masterfully upgraded by highly regarded gunsmith Neil Hermsen of
North Carolina. Blued steel barrels with dual white bead sights on the matted solid rib which is marked “PARKER BROS.
MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT.U.S.A. PEERLESS STEEL”, beautiful wedges of scroll engraving at either breech extending 2 1/2
inches towards the muzzles, and chambers measured 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors. The casehardened action
displays the bulk of the outstanding work performed by Hermsen, showing work of the highest quality. The action has
beautifully carved fences and is fully covered with attractive tight scrollwork along with gold inlaid bird scenes on the left,
right, and underside. The left side has a mallard in flight over some reeds, the right has a grouse in flight over a field, and the underside shows a setter with a woodcock in its mouth. The scroll engraving then continues from the action onto the toplever, triggerguard, and both tangs, the bottom of which has the serial number inlaid in gold. The jeweled watertable retains the original markings and has been marked “HERMSEN REPRODUCTION A1S”. The gun features gold double triggers and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “S” marking. Exceptionally figured, fancy fleur-de-lis checkered forend with engraved fittings and round knob pistol grip stock with carved flats, gold cap on the grip, and checkered bare butt surrounded by a blued and engraved skeleton buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .674/.671 inches; choke constriction .034/.031 inches; minimum wall thickness .015/.018 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 15/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 14 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as masterfully upgraded by Neil Hermsen, retaining 99% blue/casehardened and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, some slight varnish loss at the rear of the forend, and sharp checkering on the wood. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000