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LOT 1525
Outstanding Engraved and Gold Inlaid Pachmayr Upgrade “Invincible” Grade Parker Brothers Double Barrel Shotgun Two Barrel Set - Serial no. 203459, 12 gauge, 30 inch vent rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, fancy carved/checkered walnut stock. This gun started life in 1923 as a standard DH grade gun and was subsequently masterfully upgraded to its current Invincible configuration by the renowned shop of Frank Pachmayr. Blued steel barrels with dual bead sights on the matted vent rib which is marked “PARKER BROS MAKERS. MERIDEN CT. U.S.A.” followed by “CUSTOM BY PACHMAYR” in gold inlay. The barrels show extensive decoration with dual gold inlaid bands at the muzzle along with 2 1/2 inch wedges of floral scroll extending towards the breech and dual gold bands at either breech with 5 inch wedges of scrollwork extending towards the muzzles. The chambers measure at 2 1/2 inches with automatic ejectors. The casehardened boxlock action has had sideplates added for more space to engrave as well as added sideclips and some reshaping to eliminate the recessed pivot pin, a feature specific to the Invincible Grade guns, of which there are only three known. The gun shows exceptional decoration consisting of scrollwork, gold inlaid linework, and relief inlaid game scenes as well as beautifully relief chiseled/sculpted fences. The left side of the action displays a group of five Canadian geese in flight appearing to be coming in for a landing, the right shows a flock of mallards six strong, this time taking off from the surface of the water, the underside shows a labrador sitting proudly with a mallard in his mouth, and the triggerguard displays a solitary mallard in flight. The scenes all show very tasteful light usage of silver accenting to make the gold pop and are surrounded by gold inlaid borders and the aforementioned extensive scrollwork. The gun features a single selective gold trigger, gold serial number on the lower tang, and a tang mounted manual safety switch with gold inlaid “S”. Beautifully figured, fancy fleur-de-lis checkered beavertail forend with matching engraved and gold inlaid fittings. The pistol grip stock is slightly oversized by design and has a black brass grip cap inscription oval and red rubber recoil pad. Includes a second set of matching engraved (sans the muzzle wedges) 28 5/8 inch vent rib barrels with chambers measured 2 3/4 inches and Briley thin walled choke tubes (improved cylinder/modified installed). Also included is a pair of snap caps, assorted spare small parts, and a leather bound takedown case that houses the set. Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .740/.740 inches; minimum wall thickness .026/.027 inches. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .741/.738 inches; choke constriction .021/.031 inches; minimum wall thickness .012/.028 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs. 5 oz. CONDITION: Very fine as masterfully embellished/upgraded by Pachmayr, retaining 99% blue, casehardened, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence and a slight bulge in the top of the right barrel just ahead if the forend. The is some chipping at the rear of the sideplates as well as a small crack on the left, otherwise the wood is very fine with a few minor marks and sharp checkering. The case is very good with mild wear. The extra barrels are also very fine with a scuff on the right tube a few inches from the muzzle. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500