Parker Bros. D Grade 3 Hammerless 12 Gauge SXS Shotgun 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,290
WOA#: 240220JS117
Make: Parker Brothers
Model: D Grade 3 Hammerless
Serial Number: 110264
Year of Manufacture: 1901
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 5/8” Chamber, Black Powder Only
Action Type: Side by Side, Double Trigger Shotgun with Extractor
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “PARKER BROS MAKERS. MERIDEN CONN. TITANIC STEEL”. Each barrel flat is marked “+”, the right “3”, “E”, “K” and “4 6” with the “4” a super-script. The left is marked “W”, “B”, “3” The barrel lug is marked “2” on the bottom, “110264” on the left and “264” on the rear. The top of the forend iron is marked “110264”, the latch assembly is marked “ ”PATD APRIL” 11.1876”.
The water table is marked “PAT’D JAN. 18. AUG. 16. 1887. / MAY 7-OCT. 8. 1889” and “3 / 110264 / D”. Each side of the case colored receiver has “PARKER BROS” over an engraved setter scene. The case colored trigger plate has an engraved fowl scene. The case colored receiver and reblued guard have heavy scroll and border engraving. The bottom tang is marked “N110264”. The pistol grip cap has the “parker bros meridian conn. Mark”. There is also a silver “coin” engraved with “NIH” inlaid in the stock.
Barrel Length: 29 ? Inches
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Modified, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib behind a scribed line. Midway of the barrel we find a brass alignment bead. The top of the rib has a wavy serration pattern for glare reduction which should stop just short of a scribed line at the front edge but it seems to this writer to have been modified to appear as such.
Weight: 6 lb., 1.0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, initial plate inlaid to the belly, straight comb and Later applied Red Pachmayr recoil pad. The forend has an inlaid Case colored steel tip. The stocks have a few scattered minor marks and some minor scuffing along each side of the stock behind the grip. There are a few very minor losses around the front edges of the wrist and a tiny repaired crack at the rear of the top tang. The checking is well defined. The cast is about neutral. LOP measures 14 1/2″ and 13 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as professionally restored.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Not original, this shotgun was restored.
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. We have not measured the wall thickness and these figures should be confirmed prior to firing.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 0% of its original metal finish. However, being professionally redone 98% of the new finish is retained. The barrels have strong bluing with some thinning at the edges and a few nicks along the edges of the rib. The exposed portions of the receiver have strong color around the triggers, under the lever, and on the water table no discoloration from oxidation. The receiver has some minor thinning in our engravings. The action has minimal operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. The shotgun features dual triggers and an extractor. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: none
Our Assessment: This Parker Brothers D Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1901. The D Grade filled a gap between the lower grade or “knockabout” guns and the higher grade or “fine” guns, offering a finer quality fit and finish, engraving and style in a gun which could still be taken to the field without feeling like you’re ruining a presentation piece. This example is a 12 gauge made on the desirable size frame, resulting in a fantastic gun, just over six pounds. Its 29 ? inch barrels are choked Full and Modified, making for a versatile, fast-handling gun that won’t wear you out even if you’re in the field all day. The gun has been restored by a competent smith, but has no notable deviation from its factory configuration apart from the barrel and stock finishes.We found the gun sound mechanically when he inspected the gun, but it wouldn’t hurt to double-check before firing. It ought to make for a great upland bird gun for the lucky winner. It will also make a nice addition to a Parker collection. Please see our photos and enjoy the auction. -K.F.
