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LOT 1446
Scarce Factory Engraved Parker
Brothers 16 Gauge DHE Grade Double Barrel Shotgun
- Serial no. 209474, 16 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1924, as one of just 303 built in this
configuration according to page 291 of “The Parker Story” by Gunther, Mullins, Parker, Price, and
Cote. The gun has blued steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the matted concave solid rib
which is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. U.S.A. TITANIC
STEEL”, single band of engraving at the breech, and 2
9/16 inch chambers with ejectors. The barrels are fitted
to the casehardened size 1 frame boxlock action which
displays classic DH Grade engraving consisting of floral scroll work surrounding “PARKER
BROS.” banners on either side along with a setter in a field on the right, a nide of pheasant cocks
on the underside, and a pointer in a field on the left. The gun features dual triggers and a tang
mounted automatic safety. The gun is fitted with a well-figured and multi-point checkered
splinter forend with engraved iron and a pistol grip stock with carved drop points, factory hard
rubber grip cap, blank silver inscription oval, and an engraved steel skeleton buttplate around
the checkered butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .665/.664 inches; choke
constriction .030/.030 inches; minimum wall thickness .026/.028 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 7/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/16 inch length of pull;
weight 6 lbs. 13 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 90% original blue finish, 50% original case colors, some areas of minor spotting, overall light handling evidence, a
patch of touched up moderate pitting at the right muzzle, some patina on the forend iron, light scratches and crisp checkering on the very fine stock and
forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 1445
Upgraded Engraved Parker Brothers
20 Gauge “AHE” Grade Double Barrel Shotgun
- Serial no. 189690, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1920 and
subsequently masterfully
upgraded to the current
AHE Grade configuration by
the hands of an unknown, but highly skilled, craftsman.
The gun has blued steel barrels featuring dual white bead sights on the matted concave
solid rib which is marked “PARKER BROS MAKERS. MERIDEN, CT. ACME STEEL”. The barrels
show standard markings, a band of engraving at the breech and doll’s head extension,
and chambers measured at 2 1/2 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels also show a
1971 dated Remington type repair code on the flats, which may have been when the gun
was upgraded. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened action which displays classic A grade
engraving showing Parker Bros. banners on either side along with oval game scenes surrounded by intricate floral scroll engraving. The left
shows a pair of setters in a field, the right shows a mirror image of the left, the underside has a pointing dog and a bull elk with two cows in their own scenes, and a pointing
setter on the trigger guard. The gun features gold double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety. The gun is fitted with a beautifully figured and fancy checkered forend
engraved iron and Deeley latch as well as a pistol grip stock with checkered fleur-de-lis carved flats, hard rubber grip cap, blank gold inscription oval on the toe line, and an
engraved skeleton buttplate around the checkered butt. Barrel and stock measurements R(/L): bores nine inches from the breech both measure .623 inches; choke constriction
.006/.015 inches; minimum wall thickness .020/.020 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 7 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence, a few marks in the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
Collector’s Fact
According to "The Parker Story" by
Gunther, Mullins, Parker, Price, and
Cote, only 303 Parker Bros. DHE
Grade Shotguns were manufactured
in this configuration.
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