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Collector’s Fact
According to Parker Gun Identification and Serialization by Price & Fjestad, only 125 Parker AHE shotguns were produced in this configuration.
LOT 3516
Scarce Engraved Parker Brothers AHE Upgrade 20
Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun Inscribed to Ned
Lutz - Serial no. 188861, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
in 1923 and built on a size “0” frame. This shotgun is
one of only 125 total produced in this configuration per
“Parker Gun Identification & Serialization”, page 62 by
Price and Fjestad. Single white bead sight on the matted,
solid rib marked “PARKER BROTHERS MAKERS. MERIDEN, CONN . ACME STEEL”.
The barrels show standard markings, light engraving at the breeches, doll’s head extension, and chambers
measured at 2 3/4 inches. The casehardened action displays A grade engraving showing Parker Bros. banners on either side along with oval game
scenes surrounded by intricate floral scroll engraving. The left shows two pigeons in a field, the right shows a solitary pheasant standing atop a
log, and the underside shows two separate scenes of hunting dogs on point. The action features a single selective trigger and a tang mounted
manual safety switch. Beautifully figured, fancy checkered walnut forearm with Deeley style latch and engraved fittings and a pistol grip stock with
checkered fleur-de-lis carved flats, grip cap inscribed with the name “Ned/Lutz”, and engraved skeleton buttplate over the checkered bare butt. The
identity of the Ned Lutz that owned this gun cannot be confirmed, but a strong contender is Ned Lutz of the Knoxville, Tennessee, area. Multiple
period newspaper articles are available listing Lutz’s trap and skeet scores. A June 11, 1933, article in the Knoxville Journal places him as a top contender in the state wide shoot and credits him with hitting 88 out 100 in the 16-Yard shoot, 35 out of 50 in the Doubles shoot, and 22-21 out of 25 in the 21-25 Yard Handicap shoot, earning him 3rd, 5th, and 2nd in the state respectively. Barrel and stock measurements R(/L): bores 9 inches from the breech measure .622/.620 inches; choke constriction .022/.027 inches; minimum wall thickness .020/.024 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 3/4 inch drop at heel; 14 3/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 98% blue and casehardened finishes, minor handling evidence, and some brown coloration on the blue trigger guard. The stock is also very fine with a few minor dings and scratches, strong borders and carving, and sharp freshened checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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