I listed this gun last year, then changed my mind, and am changing my mind back -- it's for sale again!
It's a Parker Bros. 12 gauge Grade 0 shotgun manufactured in 1884 (serial no. 40069). I am selling this piece as a wall-hanger. Overall, the condition is pretty fair considering its 136 year age. The triggers and hammers work. The lock-up is not what it once was, but not nearly as bad as some wall-hangers I have owned. There are a few dings in the barrels, but nothing that shows through significantly in the bores. The forend is complete, but a bit loose. Serial numbers on action, trigger guard, barrels and forend all match. It appears to be complete from stem to stern, but I am not a Parker expert. There is wood missing on front edge of forearm and where stock meets action, moreso on the bottom. I bought it as a wall-hanger thinking I might want to make it a project, but have decided to move it forward as a wall-hanger without having altered it in any way. Barrel rib is marked "Twist." If you like Parkers, this would make a nice display piece in your den.
I have a couple dozen photos of all aspects of the gun and would be happy to provide any areas I have missed -- PM your email for photos.
My understanding is this shotgun does not have to be shipped to an FFL -- please correct me if I am wrong.
Throw up some more pics....my interest is growing.
Originally Posted by BrentD
I would not buy something that runs on any kind of primer given the possibility of primer shortages and even regulations. In fact, why not buy a flintlock? Really. Rocks aren't going away anytime soon.
sorry for the delay in responding -- was away for a couple of days.
Chambers -- a fired 2-3/4" trap load casing goes into the chamber (with extractor in closed/firing position) without difficulty. I popped the primer on a casing and slipped my digital borescope through the hole. I saw what appears to be the forcing cone leading into the bore. The 2-3/4" case appears to fit up to the start of the forcing cone. That said, I am not a gunsmith, the equipment used to measure is not professional. The buyer of this gun is responsible for taking it to a smith for chamber measuring before firing. I am selling it as a wall-hanger.
More pictures -- for more photos, PM me your email and I will send a couple dozen.