“ PARKER HAMMER AND HAMMERLESS SHOT GUN (THE) At the Annual Tournament of 1889 1, held at Cannes, France, the grand prize, consisting of 2000 francs and a valuable cup, was won with a Parker Hammerless. The first Parker Hammerless Gun made won the championship of America at Decatur, Ills. Parker Bros., makers.
Parker double barrel serial #131072 what would the grade be and date made.I can say that with the serial number provided,your Parker shotgun was made in the year 1904.As to the grade,that would be. The shotguns produced by this firm were marked “Made by the Meriden Man'f Co. For Charles Parker”. Including the guns made during the Remington Era, just over 242,000 Parker shotguns were produced. The first Parker Bros. Design was called the Lifter action. It used a similar barrel release lever as the T-latch.
New York Office, 97 Chambers St.” — D.H. In Town and city atlas of the State of Connecticut. Compiled from government surveys, county records and personal investigations (1893), p. Parker gun designs in collections (by year) Info/photo status: = info and photo online = info online, no photo = completely offline 1860s c. 1861 - musket Parker Snow & Company. Musket,.58-caliber, breech-loading conversion.
Viewed 30 June 2018. (Search the collection.) 1863 - rifle Parker, Snow & Co.
(Accession no. Viewed 11 June 2017. (Search the collection.) c.
1865 - musket Parker Snow & Company. Musket, breech-loading,.58-caliber. Viewed 30 June 2018. (Search the collection.) 1866 - breech loading, double barrel shotgun Parker Bros. Breech loading, double barrel shotgun. Viewed 11 July 2018.
1866 - double-barrel shotgun Parker Bros. Shotgun, double-barrel. (Viewed 30 June 2018). Viewed 30 June 2018. (Search the collection.) 1870s 1875 - double-barreled shotgun Parker Brothers.
Double-barreled shotgun. Viewed 5 August 2017.
1875-85 - double-barreled shotgun Parker Brothers. 12-gauge, double barrel, breech-loading shotgun.
(Object ID no. Viewed 5 August 2018. (Search the collection.) patented 1878 - double-barreled shotgun Parker Brothers.
(patented 1878). Double-barreled shotgun. (Viewed 16 July 2018. 1880s 1885-90 - double-barreled, 10 gauge shotgun Parker Brothers. Double-barreled, 10 gauge shotgun, serial number, 32820. Steel, walnut.
Viewed 8 July 2018. 1880s - breech loading, double barrel shotgun Parker Bros. Breech loading, double barrel shotgun. Viewed 11 July 2018.
1910s 1915 - VH grade sawed off shotgun Parker Brothers. Parker VH grade sawed off shotgun (double trigger, double barreled, side by side 20 gauge shotgun). Viewed 29 June 2018.
1925 - 20 gauge double barreled shotgun Parker Brothers. 20 gauge double barreled shotgun. Steel (alloy), wood. (Accession no.
Viewed 24 May 2016. shot measure Parker Bros. Shot measure.
Viewed 11 July 2018. press, cartridge case Parker Brothers. Press, cartridge case. A-2138-009 ab. Viewed 4 September 2017. double barrel shotgun Parker Brothers. Double barrel shotgun.
(Object ID no. Viewed 12 July 2018. powder measure Parker Bros. Powder measure. Viewed 8 July 2018. Parker gun designs at leading auction houses 1860s c.
1866 - rifle Parker, Snow & Co. (Viewed 20 July 2016. A01068.). (8 JUN 2015). 1926 - two guns Parker Brothers.
20-gauge and 16-gauge A1 special single trigger ejector guns. Gold inlay and other materials. (Viewed 24 May 2016. D00147.). (10 JUL 2000). Parker gun designs in expositions 1860s 1869 - American Institute Fair, New York 8 September - 30 October 1869. American Institute Fair, New York.
Unspecified designs exhibited by Parker Brothers, award 'for power presses. First media and diploma'; and award 'for shot guns. First media and diploma'.
For documentation, see design catalogue and historical information below. 1870s 1876 - Centennial International Exhibition, Philadelphia 10 May - 10 November 1876. Centennial International Exhibition, Philadelphia. Souvenir of the Centennial exhibition 1876: Connecticut’s representation at Philadelphia. Core section: pp 99-111; also see exhibits list: pp. 124-27; Exhibitors including Charles Parker (guns and vises). 380 pp.
Curtis: Hartford, CT. (Viewed 25 June 2016. A00965-75.).
List of awards made by the United States Centennial Commission to the American Exhibitors, International Exhibition, 1876, at Philadelphia. Listed: Chas Parker (guns) (p. The actual award received is not indicated in this text.
134 pp. Souder & Company: Philadelphia.
(Viewed 16 June 2016. A00841-42.). 1880s 1880-81 - Melbourne International Exhibition 1880, Australia 1 October 1880 - 30 April 1881.
Melbourne International Exhibition 1880, Australia. Melbourne International Exhibition 1880; The official catalogue of the exhibits, with introductory notes of the countries exhibiting, v. II, second edition to the first issue.
American exhibits, including Parker Brothers (Class 40.— Portable Weapons, and Hunting and Shooting Equipments) (p. (Viewed 28 June 2016. 1881 - Meriden Town Hall exhibition 20-23 September 1881. Meriden Town Hall display, Connecticut State Fair, Meriden, CT. Exhibited unspecified designs by Parker Bros. For documentation, see design catalogues and historical section below.
1884 - Parker Bros. In Meriden Town Hall, CT State Fair 16-19 September 1884. Meriden Town Hall display, Connecticut State Fair, Meriden, CT. Exhibited by Parker Bros., 'a fine case of their famous shotguns of the latest and most improved style'. For documentation, see design catalogues and historical section below. 1889 - Parker Bros. In Meriden opera house exhibition 10 October 1889.
Exposition at Delavan Opera House, Meriden, on the occasion of the visit of the International American Congress. Exhibited Parker Bros., 30 breechloading guns. See: (10 October 1889).
Americans in Meriden: Visit of the International American Congress including small section on Parker Bros. Exhibited guns. Meriden Daily Republican, pp. (Viewed 9 September 2018. (Also see 1889 mentions below.). 'The display consisted of a rack containing 30 breechloading guns of their manufacture, showing the different sizes, weights and bores in which they are made. Some were hammerless, others had the hammer as of old.
The case was plainly but attractively arranged.' (Excerpt from above.) 1890s 1893 - World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago 1 May - 30 October 1893. World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago. World’s Columbian Exposition, 1893 (Chicago), Official catalogue, Part VIII. Listed: Parker Bros (guns), (p. Conkey Company: Chicago.
(Viewed 16 June 2016. A00850-56.). Also see: (1898).
Connecticut at the World’s Fair: Report of the commissioners from Connecticut of the Columbian Exhibition of 1893 at Chicago. Listed: Parker Brothers (p. Case, Lockwood & Brainard Company: Hartford, CT. (Viewed 2 March 2017. A01528-31.). 1895 - Sportsmen’s Exposition, New York 13-18 May 1895.
First Annual Sportsmen’s Exposition at Madison Square Garden, New York City. Unspecified designs exhibited by Parker Bros. For documentation, see design catalogue and historical documentation below. 1896 - Sportsmen’s Exposition, New York 16 May - c. Second Annual Sportsmen’s Exposition at Madison Square Garden, New York. Exhibited unspecified firearms designs by Parker Bros. For documentation, see design catalogues and historical section below.
1897 - Sportsmen’s Exposition, New York 13 March - c. 18 March 1897. Third Annual Sportsmen’s Exposition at Madison Square Garden, New York. Exhibited by Parker Bros.
'eighty guns. In gauges they are from 8 to 20.' . For documentation, see design catalogue and historical information section below. 1898 - New England’s Sportsmen’s Exposition 12 March - c.
25 March 1898. New England’s Sportsmen’s Exposition at Mechanics’ Hall, Boston, Massachusetts. Unspecified designs exhibited by Parker Bros. For documentation, see design catalogue and historical information section below. 1899 - Sportsmen’s Exposition, New York c. 11 March 1899.
Fifth Annual Sportsmen’s Exposition at Madison Square Garden, New York. Exhibited by Parker Bros., 'a full range of the shotguns which they manufacture'. For documentation, see design catalogue and historical information section below. 1900s 1903 - Tri-State Automobile and Sportsmen’s Show 9 - 14 February 1903. Tri-State Automobile and Sportsmen’s Show, Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan. Unspecified designs exhibited by Parker Bros.
For documentation, see design catalogue and historical information section below. 1970s 1973 - Eastern States Exposition 14 - 23 September 1973. Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA. Exhibited by Charles Parker Co., 'the oldest manufacturing company in Connecticut', 'an historical display of products dating from the company’s founding in 1832. Included will be nineteenth century spectacles, coffee mills, sewing birds, clocks, lighting fixtures, cremation urns and.Civil War rifles manufactured for the Kentucky militia and the U.
A series of period photographs and catalogues depicting the evolution of Parker Company products will bring visitors up to date for a display of Parker products currently manufactured in Connecticut.' . For documentation, see design catalogue and historical information section below. Parker Brothers guns design catalogues and historical information (by year) Material status: = online = link to more info = completely offline 1860s Various newspapers, magazines and other sources (c.
Various newspapers, magazines and other sources - search engines. (Updated 18 October 2017.).;. (over 40 million historical newspaper pages);.;.;.
1858-1969 - company records Remington Arms Company. Remington Arms Company Historical Files, 64 v. (Includes 'inventory records, 1917-38, of Parker Brothers Shotgun Company, (bought by Remington c. 1930'.) (Updated 4 May 2017. (Search the library catalogue.) 1864 - historical information Bishop, J.
On 'Charles Parker companies', (pp. In A history of American manufactures from 1608 to 1860.
Brief mention, see excerpt below. Philadelphia: Edward Young & Co. (Viewed 1 June 2017.
A02568-70.). 1868 - historical information Bishop, J. 'Manufactures in Meriden' section (including details about Charles Parker companies), (pp. A history of American manufactures from 1608-1860 (3rd edition, revised and enlarged). Philadelphia: Edward Young & Co.
(Viewed 15 June 2016. A00816-18.). 1869 - design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker breech loading double barreled shotgun. (Updated 15 April 2017. AAA00039; A02205-06.). (dated 1868?
Search the library catalogue.);. (Search the library catalogue.) 1869 - Parker Brothers in American Institute Fair (1870). Thirtieth annual report of the American Institute, of the City of New York, for the year 1869-70, pp. Albany: The Argus Company, Printers. (Viewed 4 June 2017. A02589-92.).
Also: Offline - (2 September 1869). American Institute Fair with mention of fair dates: 8 September - 30 October 1869. New York Times, p. (Viewed 13 November 2018. See worldcat.org for locations.
American Institute Fair exhibitors (1869) include 'Parker Brothers, West Meriden, Conn., award for power presses. First media and diploma' and award 'for shot guns. First media and diploma'. (Excerpt from annual report above).
1869 - patent - improvement in cartridge-loader James M. Taylor, assignor to Charles Parker. (13 July 1869). Letters patent no. 92,669: Improvement in cartridge-loader.
(Viewed 25 April 2018. design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker breech-loading double-barreled shot-gun: The best and lowest priced gun in the world. (Viewed 4 May 2017. 1870s 1870 - design catalogue Davis, Charles Henry Stanley. 'Guns & Hardware - Charles Parker' section including illustrations (pp. In History of Wallingford, Conn.
From its settlement in 1670 to the present time: Including Meriden, which was one of its parishes until 1806, and Cheshire, which was incorporated in 1780. (Also see 'Manufactures section': pp. 472-495.) 1086 pp.
Meriden: Published by the author. (Viewed 17 November 2016. A00793-94.). 1870 - patent - improvement in breech-loading fire-arms Charles Green, assignor to Charles Parker.
(6 December 1870). Letters patent no. 109,890: Improvement in breech-loading fire-arms. (Viewed 28 April 2018. 1871 - five advertisements C. Clark, presumably Ogdensburg, New York.
(August 1871). Advertisement: 'The Parker Gun. ' The Ogdensburg Journal (Ogdensburg, New York). (Viewed 17 October 2018.
Online - NYS Historic Newspapers:;;;;. 1871 - two advertisements (30 November, 7 December 1871). Advertisement: 'Parker’s breech-loading, double barreled shot gun, best in the world. Parker Brothers, West Meriden, Conn. New York Office, 27 Beekman St.
Farrar, General Agent for Ohio, 133 Superior St., Cleveland. ' with illustration of shot gun. The Highland Weekly News (Hillsborough, Ohio). (Viewed 10 October 2018. Online - Chronicling America project, Library of Congress:;. 1872 - news mention (18 May 1872). Sportsmen’s Convention at Seneca Falls; with mention: 'Parker Bros.
Offers a silver pitcher, salver and goblets for the best average shots made with the Parker gun. ' The Oswego Daily Palladium (Oswego, New York), presumably p. (Viewed 20 October 2018. design catalogue Parker Brothers. Catalog of the celebrated Parker breech-loading, double-barreled shot gun.
('Cut on title page, cover, etc.' ) (Viewed 2 June 2016. C00014-19.). Offline - Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, call no. 974.62 M651pb 1872?. 1872-76 - The Rod and Gun magazine Parker Bros.
(1872-75; 1876-77). The rod and gun and American sportsman (magazine).
(Updated 4 May 2016. A01075; A02352.).
Vol. 2-5, 9:;. Vol. 1 (April 1875) - vol. 26 (March 1876):;. Vol.
20 (12 August 1876) - vol. 20 (12 August 1876) - vol. 4 (April 1877):. See worldcat.org for other locations. 1873 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker breech loading double barreled shotgun. No copy in a public library known to exist.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 3.
1873 - patent - improvement in cartridge-holders Leroy J. Gaines, assignor to Charles Parker. (18 March 1873). Letters patent no.
136,987: Improvement in cartridge-holders. (Viewed 25 April 2018. 1873 - patent - improvement in tools for capping cartridges Joseph L. Raub, assignor to Charles Parker.
(8 April 1873; filed 7 March 1873). Letters patent no. 137,720: Improvement in tools for capping cartridges. (Viewed 25 April 2018. 1873 - patent - improvement in cartridge capping and uncapping devices George V.
McGraw, assignor to Charles Parker. (8 July 1873; filed 4 June 1873). Letters patent no. 140,718: Improvement in cartridge capping and uncapping devices.
(Viewed 28 April 2018. 1874 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers.
(1874, May 1). The Parker breech loading double barreled shotgun. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 4 1874 - patent - improvement in breech-loading fire-arms Joseph L.
Raub, assignor to Charles Parker. (13 January 1874; filed 27 December 1873). Letters patent no.
146,473: Improvement in breech-loading fire-arms. (Viewed 25 April 2018.
1874 - design catalogue Parker Brothers. Catalog of the celebrated Parker breech-loading, double-barreled shot gun.
('Has reduced price list for May 1874'). Offline - Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, call no. 974.62 M651pb 1874. Viewed 2 June 2016.
1875 - patent - improvement in breech-loading fire-arms Charles A. King, assignor to Charles Parker. (16 March 1875; filed 5 February 1875). Letters patent no. 160,915: Improvement in breech-loading fire-arms. (Viewed 25 April 2018. 1876 - Parker Brothers in exhibition (1876).
List of awards made by the United States Centennial Commission to the American Exhibitors, International Exhibition, 1876, at Philadelphia. Exhibition dates: 10 May - 10 November 1876. Listed: Chas Parker (guns) (p.
The actual award received is not indicated in this text. 134 pp.
Souder & Company: Philadelphia. (Viewed 16 June 2016. A00841-42.). 1876 - Parker Brothers in exhibition (1877). Souvenir of the Centennial exhibition 1876: Connecticut’s representation at Philadelphia. Core section: pp 99-111; also see exhibits list: pp. 124-27; Exhibitors including Charles Parker (guns and vises).
380 pp. Curtis: Hartford, CT. (Viewed 25 June 2016. A00965-75.).
1876 - advertisement Parker Bros. (1 June 1876). Advertisement: 'The Parker Gun.'
Meriden Daily Republican, p. (Viewed 9 September 2017. 1877 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker gun. Number of pages unknown.
No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 5 1878 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers.
(1878, July 1). The Parker breech loading double barreled shotgun. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 6 1880s 1880 - Parker Brothers in Melbourne exhibition (1880).
Melbourne International Exhibition 1880; The official catalogue of the exhibits, with introductory notes of the countries exhibiting, v. II, second edition to the first issue. Exhibition dates: 1 October 1880 - 30 April 1881; American exhibits, including Parker Brothers (Class 40.— Portable Weapons, and Hunting and Shooting Equipments) (p. (Viewed 28 June 2016. 1880 - patent - fastening for fore-end stocks Charles A. King, assignor to Charles Parker Company.
(28 December 1880; filed 28 September 1880). Letters patent no. 235,881: Fastening for fore-end stocks. (Viewed 25 April 2018. 1881 - design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker breech-loading, double-barreled shot-gun. (Viewed 4 May 2017.
1881 - missing design catalogue Parker & Whipple. catalogue – cap pistols. Number of pages unknown. No copy in a public library known to exist. (3 August 2016.
AAA00049.) 1881 - design catalogue excerpt reprint Parker & Whipple. Two pages from catalogue – cap pistols (1881). Reprinted in The Parker Story (pp. 1998-2000), The Parker Story Joint Venture Group. (Updated 24 April 2017. See worldcat.org for other locations.
1881 - news mention - in Australian World’s Fair, Melbourne (30 April 1881). Connecticut Awards in the Australian World’s Fair with mention: '.
Connecticut awards are given by the New York Herald as follows. Second Degree of Merit. Parker Brothers, Meriden, shot gun. ' Morning Journal and Courier (New Haven, CT), presumably p. (Viewed 3 October 2018.
1881 - spotlighted news mention - in Meriden Town Hall exhibition (20 September 1881). The State Fair with mention of Parker Bros.: '. Exhibit a case of the beautiful breech loading guns. Meriden Daily Republican, pp. (Viewed 29 September 2018. 1881 - news mention - in Meriden Town Hall exhibition (23 September 1881).
The State Fair with mention: '. Diplomas were awarded to the following named for articles manufactured or displayed by them. Parker Co., vises and shot guns. Meriden Daily Republican, pp. (Viewed 29 September 2018.
1881 - patent - cartridge-closing machine Chauncey Buckley, assignor to Charles Parker Company. (12 April 1881; filed 22 December 1880).
Letters patent no. 239,930: Cartridge-closing machine. (Viewed 25 April 2018. 1882 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. (1882, July 1). The Parker breech loading double barreled shotgun. No copy in a public library known to exist.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 7. 1883 - advertisement Parker Bros. (15 February 1883).
Advertisement: 'Parker Bros., Manufacturers of The Improved Parker Breech-Loading Shot-Gun. Highest award at the Centennial. Won the First Premium Grand Medal and Diploma.' Meriden Daily Republican, p.
(Viewed 10 September 2017. 1883 - advertisement Parker Bros. (13 November 1883). Advertisement: 'Parker Bros., Manufacturers of The Improved Parker Breech-Loading Shot-Gun.' Meriden Daily Republican, p.
(Viewed 10 September 2017. 'Parker Bros. Show a fine case of their famous shotguns of the latest and most improved style'. 1886 - advertisement Parker Bros. (4 February 1886). Advertisement: 'Parker Bros., Manufacturers of.
Improved Parker Breech-Loading Shot-Gun.' Meriden Daily Republican, p.
(Viewed 9 September 2017. 1887 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker gun. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 8 1889 - design brochure Parker Brothers.
The Parker Shot Gun (Gun description and price list). (“Parker Hammerless”).
(Viewed 20 July 2016. AAA00032-32.). Offline - University of California Santa Barbara, Special Coll., Romaine Trade Catalogs, Box 2, Folder 15.
1889 - missing booklet accompanying exposition - Parker Bros. At Meriden opera house (1889). Meriden Journal Souvenir leather-bound booklet containing a list of the manufactories contributing to the exhibition at the Delavan Opera House, Meriden, 10 October 1889, and other companies in Meriden, 4 pp. (Viewed 13 September 2018.
L00763; L00765-68). 'Parker Bros., Parker shot-guns.' (Excerpt in full from article above; the company’s designs are reported to be in the exhibition.) 1889 - article, Parker Bros. In Meriden opera house exhibition (10 October 1889).
Americans in Meriden: Visit of the International American Congress with small section describing Parker Bros. Guns in exhibition. Meriden Daily Republican, pp. (Viewed 9 September 2018. Also see, general reception, no specific Parker Bros. 1889 - news mention - in Meriden opera house exposition (10 October 1889).
Our guests: Honored visitors here to-day including mention of 'a rack of the celebrated Parker shot-guns from Parker Bros.' Being exhibited. Meriden Daily Journal, p.
(Viewed 15 September 2018. 1889 - news mention - in Meriden opera house exposition (10 October 1889). Notes of the visit: Meriden’s enterprise on this occasion praised by all including mention of Parker Bros. Guns, with excerpts from New Haven Register and Hartford Post. Meriden Daily Journal, p. (Viewed 15 September 2018. 1889 - news mention - Meriden opera house exhibition (11 October 1889).
The show photographed: Fine pictures of the Opera House exhibit made. 'The best of them will be forwarded to Frank Leslie’s paper— what the state and New York press has to say about Meriden', with excerpts from Hartford Courant, Hartford Times, New Haven Register, New York Herald, New York Tribune, Waterbury Republican, with no specific mention of Parker Bros.
Meriden Daily Journal, p. (Viewed 14 September 2018.
1889 - news mention (November 1889). Trade gossip (including paragraph about exposition at the Delavan Opera House, Meriden, including mention of Charles Parker Co., and attendance by the American International Congress). The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, p. (Viewed 10 September 2018. L00760-61.). 1890s 1891 - historical information (1891). On 'Parker Bros.'
In Connecticut of to-day: Its chief business centres. Acme Publishing and Engraving: New York.
(Viewed 3 March 2017. A01543; A01551.). 1891 - advertisement Parker Bros. (2 January 1891).
Advertisement: 'Parker Bros., Manufacturers of The Improved Parker Breech-Loading Shot Gun.' Meriden Daily Republican, p. (Viewed 11 September 2017. 1893 - historical information D.H. 'Parker Hammer and Hammerless Shot Gun', (p. 212), and building illustration. In Town and city atlas of the State of Connecticut.
Compiled from government surveys, county records and personal investigations. Boston, MA; 223 pp. (Updated 11 October 2017.
A00749-51.).;. 1893 - Parker Brothers in Columbian Exposition (1893). World’s Columbian Exposition, 1893 (Chicago), Official catalogue, Part VIII. Exhibition dates: 1 May - 30 October 1893; Listed: Parker Bros (guns), (p. Conkey Company: Chicago.
(Viewed 16 June 2016. A00850-56.). 1893 - Parker Brothers in Columbian Exposition (1898). Connecticut at the World’s Fair: Report of the commissioners from Connecticut of the Columbian Exhibition of 1893 at Chicago. Listed: Parker Brothers (p.
Case, Lockwood & Brainard Company: Hartford, CT. (Viewed 2 March 2017. A01528-31.). 1894 - historical information Moore, William F. On 'Charles Parker', (pp. 84-6 with portrait illustration). In Representative men of Connecticut, 1861-1894.
Massachusetts Publishing Co.: Everett, MA. (Viewed 28 May 2017. A02458; A02465-67.).
1894 - spotlighted news mention - Parker Bros. To be in New York exposition (25 November 1894).
'First sportsmen’s exposition' general exposition preview. (Viewed 21 September 2017.
1894 - six advertisements Parker Bros. (October-December 1894). Advertisements: '. The Parker Gun.' (Viewed 21 September 2017. G00545; G00550; G00561; G00569; G00576; G00586.). Online - Courtesy University of Minnesota library (;;;;; ).
1895 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. (1895, March 1). The Parker gun. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 9 1895 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers.
Number of pages unknown. Baer writes, “The rarest of all Parker catalogues was issued, the showroom factory catalog. Only one of these is known to exist”) No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 10 1895 - historical information Hall, Henry.
'Charles Parker', owner / manufacturer, Charles Parker Company, including Meriden Curtain Fixture Company, with illustration (pp. In America’s successful men of affairs. An encyclopedia of contemporaneous biography (vol II). The New York Tribune; 1074 pp. (Viewed 2 June 2016. A00746-48.). For more historical accounts, see.
1895 - spotlighted news mention - Parker Bros. In First Annual Sportsmen’s Exposition (25 May 1895). First Annual Sportsmen’s Exposition Madison Square Garden, New York, 13 - 18 May 1895; with 11-paragraph section on Parker Bros.
(guns) and photo of exhibit. Forest and Stream, pp. 417 and 13 additional pages. (Viewed 15 December 2018. See worldcat.org for locations. 1895 - news mention - Parker Bros. In Sportsmen’s Exposition (18 May 1895).
The Sportsmen’s Exposition with mention of Parker Bros. In list of exhibitors of guns as well as 'handsome Parker cases'.
Forest and stream, page numbers unknown. (Viewed 11 November 2018. See worldcat.org for locations.
1895 - news mention (12 August 1895). Meriden’s factories including mention of the Parker Brothers’ Gun shop as the 11th largest factory in Meriden. The Daily Morning Journal and Courier (New Haven, CT), p. (Viewed 27 September 2018. 'Parker Bros. Had in all about eighty guns exhibited, from 8-gauge to 20-gauge, from 14 lbs.
To 5 1/2 lbs., from $100 to $65. Two new things were to be seen at the Parker Bros. There was a $100 list steel barrel gun. Another and very interesting thing was shown in a reinforced gun stock which it is a wonder no one has thought of before.' 1896 - news mention - Parker Bros. In Sportsmen’s Exposition, New York (15 March 1896). From stream and forest about the 1896 Sportsmen’s Exposition, New York with Parker Brothers listed as exhibitor.
New York Times, p. (Viewed 11 November 2018. See worldcat.org for locations.
1896 - advertisement - Parker Bros. In Sportsmen’s Exposition Sportsmen’s Exposition, New York. (18 January 1896). Advertisement: 'The Second Annual Sportsmen’s Exposition. Madison Square Garden, New York, March 16 to 21, 1896.
Parker Bros.' Forest and Stream, p.
(Viewed 15 December 2018. See worldcat.org for locations. 1897 - spotlighted news mention - Parker Bros.
In Sportsmen’s Exposition (20 March 1897). The Sportsmen’s Exposition 13 March - c. 18 March 1897, including section on Parker Bros.
With photo of stand. Forest and Stream, pp. 230- presumably p. (Viewed 11 November 2018. See worldcat.org for locations. The guns are displayed on two diamond-shaped racks and a circular one which revolves. They rest nudely in their racks, beautiful works of art, fine workmanship and utility.
Perfect fitting, the elegant engraving, rich material used in the construction, artistic designing, and their general excellence. There are displayed in all eighty guns.
In gauges they are from 8 to 20. ' (Excerpt from above.) 1897 - news mention - Parker Bros. In Sportsmen’s Exposition (14 March 1897). The Sportsmen’s show 13 March - c. 18 March 1897, including mention of 'Parker Gun Company' among exhibitors of firearms. New York Times, pp.
SM9 - presumably SM12. (Viewed 11 November 2018. See worldcat.org for locations. 1897 - advertisement Charles Parker Company. (6 April 1897). Advertisement: 'Charles Parker Co., Manufacturers of Hardware, Vises.
The Celebrated Parker Gun.' Meriden Weekly Republican, p. (Viewed 9 September 2017. 1897 - patent - ejecting mechanism for drop-down guns Daniel M.
Winans, assignor to Charles Parker Company. (9 November 1897; filed 22 March 1897).
Letters patent no. 593,408; serial no. 628,570: Ejecting mechanism for drop-down guns. (Viewed 28 April 2018.
1897 - design catalogue (c. Parker hammer and hammerless guns. In 1968 reprint, Israel, Fred L. (Ed.), 1897 Sears Roebuck catalogue, p. New York: Chelsea House Publishers.
(Viewed 9 May 2017. A02406-07.). 1897 - historical information Davis, William T.
On 'Parker Brothers', (p. In The New England states, their constitutional, judicial, educational, commercial, professional and industrial history, vol. (Viewed 9 June 2017. A02626; A02633; A02640.). 1897 - historical information Davis, William T.
On 'Charles Parker' (pp. 1079-80 with illustration). In The New England states, their constitutional, judicial, educational, commercial, professional and industrial history, vol. (Viewed 1 August 2017.
A02626; A02794-95.). 1898 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker shotguns. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 11 1898 - spotlighted news mention - Parker Bros. In New England’s Sportsmen’s Exposition (19 March 1898). The Sportsmen’s Exposition 12 March - c. 25 March 1898, with mention of Parker Bros. As exhibitor. Forest and Stream, p. (Viewed 15 December 2018.
See worldcat.org for locations. 1899 - missing poster Parker Brothers. Baer writes, “The only known Parker Post was offered, stating the Parker as the best and lowest priced shotgun in the world.
These are practically unknown, and super rare.”). No copy in a public library/collection known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 12 1899 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. (1899, April 1). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 13 1899 - spotlighted news mention - Sportsmen’s Exposition, New York (11 March 1899). The Sportsmen’s Exposition c. 11 March 1899, including section on Parker Bros. And mention: 'display a full range of the shotguns which they manufacture'. Forest and Stream, pp.
188- presumably 191. (Viewed 11 November 2018. See worldcat.org for locations. 1899 - design catalogue reprint Parker Bros.
In Amber, John T. (compiler), (1952), Ten rare gun catalogs, 1860-1899. New York: Greenberg. (Viewed 4 May 2017. A02355-57.).;.;.
See worldcat.org for more locations. 1900s 1900 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers.
The Parker gun. Number of pages unknown. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 14 1901 - patent - ejector mechanism for breech-loading firearms Charles A. King and James P. Hayes, assignors to Charles Parker Company.
(7 May 1901; filed 31 December 1900). Letters patent no. 673,641; serial no. 41,553: Ejector mechanism for breech-loading firearms.
(Viewed 25 April 2018. 1902 - design catalogue (c. Parker Brothers hammer and hammerless guns. In 1969 reprint, 1902 Sears Roebuck catalogue, p. Crown Publishers. (Viewed 9 May 2017.
A02414; A02417.). 1903 - spotlighted news mention - Parker Bros. In Tri-State Automobile and Sportsmen’s Show (8 February 1903). Tri-State Automobile and Sportsmen’s Show 9 - 14 February 1903; with Parker Bros. Listed as exhibitor.
Detroit Free Press, p. (Viewed 15 December 2018. See worldcat.org for locations.
1906 - historical information Gillespie, Charles Bancroft & Curtis, George Munson. 'Charles Parker Company' section including illustrations of buildings, (pp. In A century of Meriden: A historic record and pictorial description of the town of Meriden, Connecticut and the men who made it, from earliest settlement to close of its first century of incorporation, (Part III). 1248 pp overall. (Viewed 19 November 2016. A00791-92.).
1906 - historical information Gillespie, Charles Bancroft & Curtis, George Munson. Biographies of Charles Parker Company management: Charles Parker pp. 310-16 including portrait); Dexter Parker (pp.
316-17 including portrait (p. 313) and house (p. In A century of Meriden: A historic record and pictorial description of the town of Meriden, Connecticut and the men who made it, from earliest settlement to close of its first century of incorporation, (Part II). 1248 pp overall. (Viewed 19 November 2016.
A00791-92.). 1906 - advertisement Parker Bros. (14 June 1906). Advertisement: 'Home of the Parker Gun, ’The Old Reliable’, Salesrooms and Factory, 26 Cherry Street' no illustrations.
Meriden Morning Record, p. (Viewed 23 October 2018. 1910s 1910 - design catalogue Parker Brothers.
The Parker gun: known the world over as 'the old reliable': manufactured by Parker Brothers, Meriden, Conn. (Viewed 4 May 2017. 1910 - design catalogue reprint Parker Brothers. The Parker gun: known the world over as 'the old reliable': manufactured by Parker Brothers, Meriden, Conn. Reprint: Livonia, N.Y.: R.
Books, between 1990-1999?. (Viewed 4 May 2017. 1911 - two advertisements Charles Parker Company. (16 February 1911).
Advertisement: 'The Charles Parker Co., Meriden, Conn., Manufacturers of the Parker Gun, Parker Lamp. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, column 2 and p. (Viewed 12 September 2017.
G00249; G00251.). Online - Google News (; ). 1912 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker gun (embossed pine needle and combs on cover) brown cover. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 15 1912 - advertisement Parker Bros. (29 June 1912). Advertisement: 'Parker Guns. Parker Bros., Meriden, Conn., New York Salesrooms, 32 Warren Street.' Forest and Stream, p. (10 December 2018. See worldcat.org for locations.
1913 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker gun. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 16 1915 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers.
The Parker gun (pine needles) green cover. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 17 1916 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers.
The Parker gun (flying geese). No copy in a public library known to exist.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 18 1917 - historical information (1917). Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, vol 4. On Charles Parker, (pp.
262-64). The American Historical Society, Inc.: Boston, New York, Chicago. (Viewed 27 November 2016. AAA00507-09.). 1918 - design catalogue Parker Brothers. Parker guns (catalogue).
Number of pages unknown. (Updated 4 May 2017. 1918 - map / illustration (1918). Aero view of Meriden, Connecticut. Including 5 illustrations of Charles Parker Co. – lamps, fixtures, spice and coffee mills: 48 Elm Street; Parker Bros.: 26 Cherry Street; Parker Clock Co.: 600 West Main Street Hughes & Bailey: Boston. (Viewed 2 July 2016.
A01020-21.). For more maps, see. 1919 - design catalogue Parker Brothers. Parker guns (catalogue).
Number of pages unknown. (Updated 4 May 2017.
1920s 1920 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. (1920, July 22). The Parker gun. No copy in a public library known to exist.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 19 1922 - design catalogue Parker Brothers. Parker guns (catalogue).
Number of pages unknown. (Updated 4 May 2017. 1923 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. (1923, January 2). The Parker gun. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 20 1923 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. (1923, April 2). The Parker gun. Number of pages unknown.
Baer writes, “Same as above except price change sheet included”.) No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 21 1926 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers.
(1926, March 1). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 22 1927 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. (1927, January 1). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 23 1929 - design catalogue Parker Brothers. Parker guns (catalogue). Number of pages unknown. (Updated 4 May 2017. design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker gun.
See 1930, January 1 entry below as same number of pages. (Updated 4 May 2017. Click to see designs and documentation for other Charles Parker companies:. 1930s 1930 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers.
(1930, January 1). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 24 1930 - missing design catalogue Parker Brothers. (1930, January 1). No copy in a public library known to exist. Entry above as same number of pages.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 25 1931 - design catalogue Parker Brothers.
Parker guns (catalogue). Number of pages unknown. (Updated 4 May 2017. 1931 - design catalogue Parker Brothers. Parker guns (price list). Number of pages unknown. (Updated 4 May 2017.
1932 - price list Parker Brothers. Parker guns (price list). Number of pages unknown. (Updated 4 May 2017.
1932 - missing design brochure Parker Brothers. Parker guns (1930 revised). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 26 1933 - missing design brochure Parker Brothers. (1933, April 1). No copy in a public library known to exist.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 27 1934 - missing design brochure Parker Brothers. (1934, January 1).
No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 28 1934 - news brief (July-August 1934). 'Remington - Parker Brothers'. DuPont Magazine, p.
(Viewed 2 December 2017. 'The Remington Arms Company, Inc., has acquired the assets and business of Parker Brothers, Meriden, Connecticut, manufacturers of the Parker Gun. The manufacturing operations will remain at Meriden, but the plant will be known hereafter as the Parker Gun Works of the Remington Arms Company, Inc.' (Excerpt from above.) 1934 - feature article Davis, Henry P. (November 1934).
'From coffee mill to custom mill: A brief history of Parker Brothers.' DuPont Magazine, 28(11), pp.
(Viewed 15 April 2017. A02771-73.). 1936 - missing price list Parker Brothers.
(1936, January 2). The Parker gun (Jobbers price list). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 29 1936 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1936, January 2).
The Parker gun (Dealers price list). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 30 1937 - missing design brochure or catalogue Parker Brothers.
The Parker gun. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 31 1937 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1937, May 17).
The Parker gun (Jobbers price list). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 32 1937 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1937, May 17).
The Parker gun (Dealers price list). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 33 1937 -missing salesman’s portfolio Parker Brothers. Salesman’s portfolio showing all Remington and Parker guns. (“with large glossy photos of each grade and model”.) No copy in a public library known to exist; see below as might be this missing catalogue. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 34 1937 - design catalogue Remington Arms Co. / Parker Gun Works.
Number of pages unknown. (Viewed 4 May 2017. 1938 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1938, January 3). The Parker gun (Jobbers price list). No copy in a public library known to exist.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 35 1938 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1938, January 3). The Parker gun (Dealers price list). No copy in a public library known to exist.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 36 1938 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1938, January 3). The Parker gun (Retail price list).
No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 37 1939 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1939, January 2). The Parker gun (Jobbers price list). No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 38 1939 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1939, January 2).
The Parker gun (Dealers price list). No copy in a public library known to exist.
(Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 39 1939 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1939, January 2). The Parker gun (Retail price list).
No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 40 1940s 1940 - missing price list Parker Brothers.
(1940, February 16). The Parker gun (Jobbers price list). (Same content as 1939 catalogue.) No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
![Double Double](/uploads/1/2/4/2/124238952/202808415.jpg)
AAA00039.) 41 1940 - missing price list Parker Brothers. (1940, February 16). The Parker gun (Dealers price list).
(Same content as 1939 catalogue.) No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 42 1940 - missing price list Parker Brothers.
(1940, February 16). The Parker gun (Retail price list). (Same content as 1939 catalogue.) No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016.
AAA00039.) 43 1940 - missing specifications booklet Parker Brothers. (1940, February 20).
“Specifications and data on each model and grade on mimeographed sheets”. No copy in a public library known to exist. (Viewed 24 July 2016. AAA00039.) 44 1947 - secondary source May, Earl Chapin. 'Parker, Snow & Company' mention, (p. 78); 'Charles Parker' mentions, (pp.
9, 39, 67, 78, 80, 84). In Century of silver, 1847-1947; Connecticut Yankees and a noble metal. New York: E.M. McBride & Company. (Updated 4 May 2017.
See worldcat.org for other locations. design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker double-barrel, breech-loading, hammerless and top-action shot guns. (Updated 4 May 2017. design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker double-barrel, breech-loading, hammerless and top-action shot guns. (Viewed 4 May 2017.
1960s 1961 - secondary source Johnson, Peter H. Parker: America’s finest shotgun. Stackpole Co: Harrisburg, PA. (Updated 4 May 2017. See worldcat.org for other locations.
1970s 1973 - spotlighted news mention - Parker guns in exposition (17 September 1973). Governor at big E today; Local firms are exhibitors. Meriden Record newspaper, p.
Article mentions Charles Parker Co. As exhibitor in Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA, 14 - 23 September 1973, with details about exhibited wares. (Updated 26 November 2018. AAA00375-77; D00599.).
Offline - (15 August 1973). Private enterprise plans Big E exhibits including mention of opening and closing dates and Parker guns. Hartford Courant, p. (See worldcat.org for locations.) 1980s c.
1980 - secondary source Baer, Larry L. The Parker gun: An immortal American classic. Beinfeld Pub. Co.: North Hollywood, CA. (Viewed 4 May 2017. See worldcat.org for other locations. 1988 - secondary source Vumbaco, Brenda J.
On Charles Parker and Charles Parker Company, pp. 37-8, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59 (photo of mansion), 66, 73, 74 - portrait. In Meriden – Connecticut crossroads: An illustrated history. Windsor Publications: Northridge, CA.
(Updated 4 May 2017. See worldcat.org for other locations. 1990s 1997 - secondary source Muderlak, Ed. Parker guns, the old reliable. Huntington Beach, CA. (Viewed 4 May 2017.
See worldcat.org for other locations. 1998-2000 - secondary source (c. The Parker story. The Parker Story Joint Venture Group. (Updated 24 April 2017.
See worldcat.org for other locations. 2002 - secondary source Price, Charles E. Parker gun: Identification and serialization. Blue Book Publications: Minneapolis.
(Viewed 20 July 2016. See worldcat.org for other locations. 2008 - secondary source Muderlak, Ed. Parker guns: Shooting flying and the American experience. (Viewed 4 May 2017.
See worldcat.org for other locations. 2010s 2010 - secondary source Franco, Janis Leach. Illustration of Charles Parker (p. 34); reprinted Parker Gun advert (N.Y.
Salesroom: 32 Warren St) (p. 34); photo of Charles Parker mansion, 816 Broad Street, (p. Arcadia Publishing: Charleston, SC.
(Viewed 15 December 2016. DM.).;. See worldcat.org for other locations. 2016 - article / video presentation Butkus, Paul. (19 March 2016). The famed Wilcox mansion and its demise.
On the mansion owned by Jedediah Wilcox and later Charles Parker, with video lecture by Brian Cofrancesco. PGCA Forums (Undated). Parker Gun Collectors Association Forums. An important source to see scans of excerpted bits of primary source documentation contributed by various forum members, especially guns, vises, and sometimes other Parker Co. Documentation. Price lists Parker Brothers.
Price lists for the Parker Gun, manufactured by Parker Bros., Meriden, Connecticut. (2 price lists).
(Updated 4 May 2017. (Photo of cover online.) n. design catalogue reprint Parker Brothers. (undated) The Parker breech-loading double-barreled shot gun reprint. (Viewed 19 August 2018. design catalogue Parker Brothers. The Parker Shot Gun.
(Viewed 20 July 2016. AAA00032-30.). Offline - University of California, Santa Barbara, Special Coll., Romaine Trade Catalogs, Box 2, Folder 15. design catalogue Parker Brothers. Catalog of the celebrated Parker breech-loading, double-barreled shot gun.
Number of pages unknown. (Viewed 2 June 2016. C00001-20.).
Offline - Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, call no. 974.62 M651pb #2. Footnotes: 1 The year '1889' is not clearly legible in the online copy.
2-44 See catalogue list in: Baer, Larry L. The Parker gun: An immortal American classic, pp. Beinfeld Pub.
Co.: North Hollywood, CA. (See worldcat.org for other locations.) Updated 4 May 2017. AAA00039 DM.
When it comes to fine American double-guns, they get no better than the Parker ”Invincibles. ” There is no clear answer to the question: “Who discovered gunpowder?” But gunmaker and author W.W. Greener, in the ninth edition (1910) of his book The Gun And Its Development, wrote, “There seems little doubt that the composition of gunpowder has been known in the East from times of dimmest antiquity.
The Chinese and Hindus contemporary with Moses are thought to have known of even the most recondite properties of the compound. The Gentoo Code—which, if not as old as was first declared, was easily compiled long before the Christian era—contains the following passage: ‘ The magistrate shall not make war with any deceitful machines, nor poisoned weapons, or with cannons or guns, or any kind of fire-arms, nor shall he slay in war any person born a eunuch. ’ ” So firearms aren’t exactly new, at least according to Greener’s research. There seems to be somewhat of a gap, and then the story is picked up some centuries later. Initially, game was shot sitting (not flying). The crude matchlock firearms of the day simply took too long to work as the match had to drop into the pan, igniting the priming charge at an undetermined time, and finally the main charge had to be set off before the shot could leave the barrel. Early paintings show aristocratically dressed individuals shooting at birds sitting on the ground over a hedge the gunners were using as a hide.
In a chapter titled “The Fowling Piece and the Stalking-Horse” from The Gentleman’s Recreation published in 1671, there is a description of a fowling piece as having a barrel “five feet and a half or six feet long,” and, further, in 21st-century language, it is advised to “keep your powder dry.” As an aside, The Gentleman’s Recreation also mentions, “Enticement. Winning or wooing the fowl unto you by pipe, whistle or call,” so duck calling didn’t start in Arkansas, it was just perfected there. Even earlier, Gervase Markham mentioned shooting in Hunger’s Prevention: or the Whole Art of Fowling, and in The Merry Wives Of Windsor, written in 1597, Master Ford is said to be “a birding,” although no mention is made of what that actually means. Shooting birds on the wing had to wait for a more reliable ignition system, one that would provide a nearly instantaneous and predictable shot. Made in 1685 for James Stuart—King James II—this single-barrel flintlock fowler bears his cypher on its lock (below). James II was ousted in the “Glorious Revolution' of 1688, and his fowler is on display at the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum in Springfield, Mo. It is fact that during the early 1600s the French were shooting flying birds with early muskets.
When King Charles II was in exile in France, he too shot flying birds, and when he returned to the throne and the monarchy was restored in England in 1660, he most assuredly continued wing shooting. When the flintlock arrived in the late 1600s, shooting flying game birds became even more possible. Although this ignition system was still relatively slow, and still sensitive to moisture, it provided a relatively immediate shot, compared to the matchlock where the glowing wick nestled in the priming powder until the piece fired. It wasn’t perfect, but was still a quantum leap forward. Soon, not only were game birds and waterfowl being shot on the wing, but shooting competitions using pigeons began to proliferate.
Called “Old Hats,” these flyer competitions used old top hats of the day under which a pigeon was placed and at the command “pull” a cord attached to the old hat was pulled, tipping the hat and releasing the pigeon. Thus, the flintlock, where the priming mixture is held in a pan covered with a striker called the frizzen, became a true sporting arm. The pan was connected with the main powder charge in the barrel by a small hole drilled into the breech. The hammer carried a sharpened piece of flint that, when the trigger was pulled, struck the upright part of the frizzen pushing the cover back and sending a shower of sparks into the pan. The sparks ignited the fine-ground priming powder and the fire passed through a hole into the breech and ignited the main powder charge, firing the gun. Although we consider today’s sidelocks “new,” they are simply refined, hammerless versions of the locks used on flint shotguns.
By 1770, reliable Damascus shotgun barrels were readily available, and by 1790, double-barrel flintlock shotguns were available. During that time, Joseph Manton (1766-1835), acknowledged as the “father of the modern shotgun,” was making guns. Manton brought together all of the facets of shotguns into what is the form of the modern double-barrel shotgun. Although it would have been only a matter of time until the modern shotgun took form, it was Manton who got there first.
Soon, percussion ignition replaced flint, and then, rather quickly, percussion was replaced by the self-contained cartridge. When the cartridge developed, it was only a small step to breechloading. Remarkably, 1909 marks the last major development of the modern shotgun when Boss introduced the over-under.
The lines and form of the side-by-side shotgun were pretty much ironed out by the British during the percussion muzzleloader era, as evidenced by this Joseph Egg caplock (top). As guns moved to cartridge-fed break-actions, the lines remained, such as on this Purdey sidelock 12 bore. What about the pump and semi-automatic? Christopher Spencer and Sylvester Roper developed a pump-action shotgun on which Roper was granted a patent in 1882, which led to the production of their Model 1890 pump-action shotgun. The Spencer pump was heavy, ill-balanced and clunky to operate.
In 1893, Winchester introduced its John Browning-designed Model 1893 pump that was intended to shoot blackpowder. The frame was open on the top, and the action was found to lack the necessary strength to fire the new smokeless powder. Winchester quickly followed with the Model 1897, later named the Model 97, and offered to replace any 1893 with a new 1897 action if it would be returned to the factory.
Both of the Winchester pumps outperformed the Spencer. But given Winchester’s status in the firearms business, and despite a lawsuit declaring patent infringement—the Roper patent was very broad, perhaps even vague—scant hearing was given Roper ’ s suit, and it was dismissed by the courts. In 1912, Winchester began manufacturing and warehousing its Model 1912, whose name would also be shortened to Model 12, and the modern pump-action shotgun’s form was defined. John Moses Browning was a prolific firearm designer. From his inventive genius sprang the Winchester 1893. As he became interested in the machine gun and other arms that cycled without assistance from the operator, beyond pulling the trigger, the recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun took form in Browning’s mind.
Browning initially designed firearms for Winchester for a set fee; he designed the gun and Winchester bought the design outright. With the autoloading shotgun, Browning saw a potential good seller, and demanded not only a design fee, but an ongoing royalty on each shotgun sold. Winchester wouldn’t budge, so Browning took his design to Remington. 8, 1902, while John Browning and his brother Matthew sat in the waiting room—his prototype shotgun across his lap and a semi-automatic rifle prototype across Matthew’s—Remington’s president, Marcellus Hartley, suffered a massive and instantly lethal heart attack.
It is rumored that at the moment Hartley’s secretary George Bingham announced his death, John said to Matthew, “What do we do now?” Matthew Browning, the businessman of the pair, said, “We can accomplish nothing here. We must go to Belgium and see what we can do there.” And so the relationship between the Brownings and Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, a suburb of Liege, Belgium, was established. The first of the Browning Automatic-5 semi-automatics that resulted hit dealers’ shelves in 1905. Although the Browning brothers struck a deal for the manufacture of their firearms with Fabrique Nationale, upon their return, they also struck a deal with Remington to produce a simpler, less expensive version of the Auto-5, this time on American shores. So was born the Remington Model 11, which stayed in production through World War II.
The development of the double shotgun includes (top to bottom) a muzzleloading percussion double, an exposed hammer breechloader, a sidelock (with hammers inside the action) and a boxlock. So it was that by 1909 the shotgun as we know it had established its final form. The exterior shape of the pump-action was finalized by the Winchester Model 12, semi-automatics by the Browning Auto-5, and the only refinement left was the development of the gas-operated semi-automatic, first by High Standard and then by Remington—but its shape was that of the gracefully sloping Model 12 receiver. In the process, we’ve altogether glossed over the reason that breechloading doubles, pumps and semi-automatics work: self-contained shotshells. As firearm development gained momentum, the flint system of ignition gave way to percussion ignition. Percussion ignition was fully developed by 1820, and by the time of the American Civil War, percussion was in full use by the U.S. And Confederate armies.
The battlefield is a great crucible for the development of arms, and as that conflict evolved, breechloading rifles using self-contained rimfire and center-fire ammunition came into being. Shotguns took a parallel line of development. The pinfire cartridge was developed in 1846, making possible early breechloading shotguns, and in a relatively brief 35 years, the center-fire shotshell was fully developed. By 1870, the breechloading shotgun was perfected, and during an additional short 10-year period, the hammerless double was perfected. Hammer guns lasted well into the 20th century, finally falling by the wayside during World War II. Some hammer guns are still made, primarily for live-pigeon shooters who feel they are more reliable. Although the development of the shotgun was relatively short, and amazingly complete at a very early time in history, it is during the period from the perfection of the breech-loading shotgun in 1870 through World War I, which presents the greatest confusion.
During that time in history, the Indian Wars were being fought, mostly to displace the Native Americans and to open the vast prairies to settlers. It was those settlers—and the ever-burgeoning East that was welcoming immigrants in growing numbers—who needed food. Settlers were presented with the need to feed their families as they cleared the land and while their crops grew, and cities needed a source of protein to feed their growing populations. The need for a source of inexpensive shotguns to harvest the then-abundant waterfowl and prairie game gave rise to a vast sellers’ market for shotguns. Into this market came a flood of side-by-sides along with Winchester’s pumps and Browning’s semi-automatics.
Perhaps the greatest area of confusion in separating high-grade shotguns from the chaff lies during this period. Vast numbers of double guns were produced, mainly in Belgium, but also in Britain’s major gunmaking center of Birmingham. Selling for from $10 to $20 each, these shotguns were designed and proofed for blackpowder. European gunmakers are required to submit their products to the rigors of their national proof houses, so much can be learned from simply looking at the proofmarks stamped on the barrel and action flats.
If gun owners and buyers would familiarize themselves with proofmarks, they would be ever so much wiser about their shotguns. Be that as it may, the vast majority of these shotguns were made for resale by various hardware, sporting goods and firearm retailers under trade names.
It should not be a surprise that many of these trade names are very similar to those of a top-quality gunmaker. For example, the fine Parker Brothers shotgun was made in Meriden, Conn., so what does Sears, Roebuck & Co. Sears located a firearm factory in Meriden, and used the name Meriden Fire Arms Co.—very close to Parker Brothers original 1865 company name, The Meriden Manufacturing Co.
More direct are E.D. Parker, Thomas Parker, W. Parker and William Parkhurst. The similarity to the original Parker company founded by Charles Parker and made famous as Parker Brothers is sufficient to confuse all but the most educated gun collector. The problems don’t stop there. I’ve answered several letters regarding W.
Richards and W.&H. Richards shotguns, both of which bear Belgian proofmarks, and are no relation at all to the vaunted British manufacturer whose name, Westley Richards, is always spelled out. Many expecting that their W. Richards was worth big bucks have been disappointed to find it is worth $200. Great American-made shotguns (top to bottom) include: an A.H. Fox; an 1895 hammer Parker; a Winchester Model 21; and an Ithaca NID made by Classic Doubles.
Certainly, there were many high-grade shotguns manufactured during this golden age. From 1870 through World War I, driven-bird shooting was enjoying its zenith in Great Britain. During that gilded age, many high-grade shotguns were made for the aristocracy and the well-to-do. There were many who spent their entire family fortunes pursuing and hosting these lavish shooting parties. Makers such as Purdey, Holland & Holland, Henry Atkin, Boss, Charles Lancaster, Lang, Dickson, Westley Richards—the list is both long and short—are synonymous with great guns, yet they appear on the whole, plain. Plain compared to guns with gold and/or silver inlays and elaborate decorations made for czars and sultans.
In the United States, prosperity grew following the stock market crash of 1929, and equally lavish shotguns were ordered by bankers, businessmen, physicians, attorneys and others who earned or inherited money. All American shotgun makers of that time offered high-grade shotguns in ascending levels of ornamentation. Some were for the gun cabinet, others for the field. Recently, more and more elaborately engraved and inlaid shotguns are being commissioned.
Some are great works of art, others are eccentric, often bizarre, shotguns that appeal only to their owners. Subject matter ranges from animals and game birds—often apropos to the gauge and intended quarry of the shotgun—to automobiles, scenic vistas and highly erotic subjects. I understand that an Arab potentate commissioned a shotgun featuring highly erotic engraving, then canceled the order, leaving the gunmaker holding an essentially unsellable gun. Many shotguns have appreciated in value due to their names, the engraving and highly grained wood, or the association with a historic, famous or infamous figure. Some, regardless of their quality, that are bizarre or perhaps even offensive, have little value and, at the very least, are difficult to sell—then not at a premium—unless an equally bizarre buyer can be found.
Association with companies or individuals often make the ordinary extraordinary. For example, Beretta recently repurchased Ernest Hemingway’s Beretta SO3 over-under, complete with its leather leg-of-mutton-style case with Hemingway’s address in Cuba written in ink by “Papa,” for an undisclosed price.
Shotguns that are clearly associated with prominent people, and whose provenance can be clearly substantiated, take on value often far beyond their practical worth. I suppose that’s why the Boss with which Hemingway took his life was chopped into scrap. Not only must the shotgun be typical of the guns of the era when the person lived, but receipts, bills of sale, reference in family documents, wills and other documentation must also substantiate the ownership. Without real provenance, it’s just another shotgun. One variety of shotgun keeps cropping up, of which all but a handful are frauds.
Those are the shotguns used by Wells Fargo Co. In any Western movie depicting a stagecoach carrying valuables, the person in the “shotgun” seat carried a double-barreled shotgun. The only substantiated shotguns made for and used by Wells Fargo, the most famous historic name in transporting valuables, were a group of about 50 made on contract by the Ithaca Gun Co. Any others are highly suspect, and most likely to be fakes. Throughout the development of the shotgun, there have been those made to a higher grade of workmanship and decoration.
Of these, some are high-grade shotguns simply because of their maker, others because of the decoration applied to either top-of-the-line best guns or regular-production guns, with all manner of engraving and inlays lavished on them. The Parker A-1 Special is just such a shotgun.
The common Parker action and barrels were finished with extra care, then engraved and stocked with the highest grade wood. Certainly, the value of any Parker has accelerated over the past several decades, but unique shotguns such as the A-1 Special assume extremely high values. A genuine Joseph Manton in good condition would command a high price to a collector interested in a gun representing the first time all the facets of design were gathered into a whole that has seen little change—save for breechloading—in two centuries. Shotguns owned by the great, near-great and infamous also command a premium, regardless of quality.
Shotguns are wonderful objects. Little can match the look and feel of a fine double or the sleek Winchester Model 12, and that’s why we’re so strongly drawn to them. A fine shotgun points as if it were made for the user, and most are. Even in the role of a second hand, perhaps “previously owned” is the more politically correct term, a fine shotgun is a joy to behold and use. Fine Shotguns The History, Science and Art of the Finest Shotguns from Around the World This informative and well-illustrated book by American Rifleman Contributing Editor John M. Taylor is about far more than just pictures of pretty guns—although quite a few lovely guns are depicted within its pages. Fine Shotguns is now out in a paperback edition, and it is from the book that this article is excerpted with permission.
The author first defines what fine shotguns are, what makes them different, and then identifies them by country and maker. Although the semi-automatic Browning Auto-5 and pumps such as the Winchester Model 12 make it into the pages, this book is mostly about double guns—meaning over-unders and especially side-by-sides. Taylor then takes the reader through how such guns are actually made, step by step, by craftsmen out of steel and walnut. He even explains how one would order, say, a bespoke Purdey. He then gives advice for such seemingly mundane tasks as actually shooting, cleaning and storing fine shotguns. This is not an in-depth history of every maker that has ever made a shotgun, but it is a well-written and recommended overview on the subject of fine shotguns.
Keefe, IV, Editor In Chief Fine Shotguns is 8½'x11' with 240 pps., and is available hardbound for $60 or in paperback for $35 plus shipping from Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., 307 W. 36th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018; (212) 643-6816;.