Parker Brothers Shotguns Serial Numbers

By Thomas E. Wessel

Parker Brothers Shotguns 1875
Parker Brothers Double Barrel Shotgun Serial Numbers
Parker Brothers Shotguns 20 Gauge
Parker Brothers Shotgun Prices
Parker Brothers Shotguns Forum

Their first shotgun was made in 1868 and was known as the 'Parker Brothers'. Of hammer type, it featured a lifter bolting device, and the fore-end was attached to the barrels with a cross-key. In 1879 an improved fore-end assembly based on the Deeley & Edge system was made standard. Parker Double Q: I'm looking for some information on a Parker Bros. 12-gauge double. It's in nice condition and I've got the original leather break-down case. There's nice engraving on the receiver and there's a shield on the stock near the buttplate. It's got ivory beads and auto ejectors. The serial number is 2XXXXX. Photo courtesy of Orvis Co. Introduced in 1915 and discontinued in 1939, the Trojan was Parker Bros. Attempt to build a low priced, utility grade, double gun. The initial selling price was $27.50 and the gun remained the most affordable Parker model throughout its production life.

In 1832 Charles Parker of Meriden, Conn., organized the Parker Co. to make coffee mills and subsequently bench vises. In 1860 the firm was reorganized to become Parker, Snow, Brooks & Co. On Sept. 28. 1863. the firm signed a contract with the government to make 15.000 Model 1861rifled muskets at $19 each. This contract was fulfilled. Upon termination of the Civil War. Charles Parker became president of the Meriden Mfg. Co.. which position he held until 1868 when the firm of Parker Brothers was organized.

On June I. 1934, the assets of the Parker firm were purchased by Remington Arms Co., Inc.. but with the advent of World War II production of Parker shotguns was discontinued and was not resumed with the coming of peace.

The Parker shotgun was essentially machine made, although much hand-fitting was involved in its production. Forgings were machined slightly oversize and then hand fitted by filing and scraping. Reputation of the Parker shotgun was founded on uniformly excellent quality and durability as well as fine balance and handling qualities. Parkers were offered in several grades, and all but the cheapest Trojan grade could be ordered built to customers' specifications. Regardless of price, the Parker shotgun justly earned its title of 'Old Reliable'.

not shown stock 31

1 Commence disassembly by removing fore-end assembly and barrels (1). Remove guard bow screw (67) and rear tang screw (65). Unscrew guard bow (66) and remove 3 trigger plate screws (57, arrows). Turn gun right side up and push top-lever (16) to right. Remove front tang screw (30)

2 Tap out trigger plate (58) and attached assembly. Use a small wood dowel inserted into forward part of receiver (28) and just in front of cocking crank (17) where a portion of the foremost surface of trigger plate may be seen. Lift trigger plate assembly away, while lifting out cocking slide (46). Trip (41) and its internal assembly will also drop out. Trip sears (44 & 45), drift out sear pin (40), and remove sears. This will permit removal of stock

3 Continue (A) by removing top-lever retaining screw (29). Using a piece of cotton waste for padding, place thumb against top-lever spring shell (13) and fingers against face of receiver. Pry shell away from tang at (B) using a small screwdriver or hardwood wedge. Withdraw top-lever spring shell, spring (14), and plunger (15). Top-lever (16) may now be lifted out. and bolt (38) withdrawn rearward from receiver

4 Next, remove hammer fastening screws (22) and hammer screws (23). Hammers (49 & 50), hammer stirrups (51), mainspring plungers (48), and mainsprings (47) will drop out. It is best to hold a large cloth at rear of receiver while doing this to prevent loss of parts which arc under spring tension

5 Remove (A) unhooking slide screw (56) and withdraw unhooking slide (62) and assembly from front end of trigger plate. (B) Remove trigger spring screw (61) and trigger spring (60). Drift out trigger pin (53) and remove triggers (54 & 55)

6 Remove extractor screw (9) and slide extractor out and away rearward. Remove cocking link screw (6) and cocking link (3). link spring pin (4), and link spring (5). Removal of extractor or cocking link is not dependent on prior removal of one or the other. Reassemble in reverse sequence ■

1. Barrels

2. Front sight

3. Cocking link

4. Cocking link spring pin

5. Cocking link spring

6. Cocking link screw

7. Bolt plate

8. Bolt plate retaining pin

9. Extractor screw

10. Extractor

11. Buttplate

12. Buttplate screw (2)

13. Top-lever spring shell

14. Top-lever spring

15. Top-lever spring plunger

16. Top-lever

17. Cocking crank

18. Joint pin screw

19. Joint pin

20. Cocking crank pin stop screw (2)

21. Cocking crank pin

22. Hammer fastening screw (2)

23. Hammer screw (2)

24. Unhooking pin screw

25. Joint roll

26. Unhooking pin spring

Parts Legend

27. Unhooking j5in

28. Receiver

29. Top-lever retaining screw

30. Tang screw, front

31. Safety slide pin

32. Safety slide

33. Safety slide spring

34. Safety lever jacket

35. Safety lever pin

36. Safety lever

37. Safety pin

38. Bolt

39. Sear spring

40. Sear pin

41. Trip

42. Trip spring

43. Trip spring plunger

44. Sear, left

45. Sear, right

46. Cocking slide

47. Mainspring (2)

48. Mainspring plunger (2)

49. Hammer, left

50. Hammer, right

51. Hammer stirrup (2)

52. Mainspring pin (2)

53. Trigger pin

54. Trigger, left

55. Trigger, right

56. Unhooking slide screw

57. Trigger plate screw (3)

58. Trigger plate

59. Tang screw sleeve

60. Trigger spring

61. Trigger spring screw

62. Unhooking slide

63. Unhooking slide spring

64. Unhooking slide plunger

65. Tang screw, rear

66. Guard bow

67. Guard bow screw

68. Fore-end

69. Fore-end iron

70. Fore-end plunger box pin

71. Fore-end screw (2)

72. Fore-end plunger box

73. Fore-end plunger spring

74. Fore-end plunger

75. Fore-end plunger roll

76. Fore-end plunger roll pin

Remington Models 8 & 81 Autoloading Rifles

By James M. Triggs

The Remington Model 81 Woods-master autoloading rifle was produced from 1936 until 1950. Except for minor differences, it is mechanically identical to the Remington Model 8 5-shot autoloading rifle produced from 1906 until 1936. Design of the Model 8 rifle was based on U. S. Patent No. 659,786 granted Oct. 16, 1900 to John M. Browning. It was the first successful high power autoloading rifle produced in America. Manufacturing and sales rights were sold to Remington.

Parker Brothers Shotguns 1875

The Model 8 rifle has a locked breech long-recoil action wherein the barrel, bolt, and bolt carrier assembly recoil several inches together so that the bullet has cleared the barrel before unlocking begins. The bolt has twin locking lugs which engage locking recesses within the barrel extension. The barrel, suspended in guide bushings, is surrounded by 2 heavy coil-type springs in turn covered by a sheet-metal jacket. These springs are compressed on rearward movement of the barrel bolt and bolt carrier assembly.

At the end of recoil the bolt carrier is locked into rear of the receiver. Energy of the compressed recoil spring then drives the barrel forward, which cams the bolt open to unlock it from the barrel extension. When the barrel extension reaches its forward position, it trips the barrel lock allowing the bolt mmmmmmmmm.

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'Blue book of Gun Values' - Typical Listing

PARKER BROTHERS

Originally manufactured in Meriden Connecticut 1865-1934. Remington took over production in 1934, and n 1938 the plant was moved to Ilion, NY. Over 4,500 'Transition Guns' (exhibiting Meriden and Ilion characteristics) were produced in Meriden between 1934-1937 and about 4,500 Parkers were manufactured at the Ilion location before production stopped. Total production reached approx. 252,387.
95% of the original Parkers bought and sold each year are in 30% or less condition (referring to original case colors). Percentages on following pages refer to the amount of original case colors remaining on frame.

Shotgun: Damascus Barrels

Parker damascus barreled shotguns (hammer or hammerless) are very collectible if original condition is over 40%. Specimens in 90% or better condition with strong case colors can approximate values of the steel barrel models if the bores are in excellent condition also (no pitting). Values for under 40% specimens fall off rapidly and are no longer comparable to steel barrel guns. As an example, a steel 'D' Grade (without ejectors) might range from $1,500 to $7,000 (10%-100%) with a rather even downward progression of values in between the high and low values. A 100% damascus 'D' Grade could have a $3,500+ price tag hanging from the trigger guard while 5%-15% condition specimen is typically seen priced in the $375-$550 range. Remember, the guns are not rare but their condition is.

Shotgun: Fluid Steel Barrels

Values listed below in the 95%-100% condition columns can vary somewhat as there is very little supply and strong demand for these high condition 'cream puffs'.

Note: Values are for non-ejector guns through the CH grade, ejectors assumed on BHE and better models. Add 15%- 30% for ventilated. ribs. Skeet model has beavertail forearm and single selective trigger valued at approx. 50%-75% higher than values shown. Higher grade guns typically had ejectors, and will not make as much difference percentage-wise in the overall value as those lower grades with ejectors. Ejectors typically will add 50% more value to a Parker in common grades. Also, lower condition high grade models sometimes have their values established by the potential gain in refurbishing these specimens.

Due to the extremely high value of Parker Guns, extreme care should be taken in their purchase. There are many upgraded and refinished guns represented as original; expert advice should always be sought. Many collectors would rather own a specimen with 30% original case colors than a refinished gun that is 100% (regardless who did the work). Many advanced collectors will discount a refinished Parker's value 40%-60% of the price for an original gun. Misrepresentation of refinished or upgraded Parkers is rampant today - especially case colors. Believe it or not, also beware of fake boxes and hanging tags - if the box and Parker shotgun are an original 'pair', the value is enhanced tremendously. If the box/hanging tag is fake, you could pay as much as $1,500 to learn this lesson! In other words, do your homework, be careful, shop carefully, and above all, get a receipt for exactly what you are purchasing.

Frame size on Parker shotguns is determined by the number on the bottom of the barrel lug on breech. Frame sizes (from largest to smallest) include 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1-1/2, 1, 1/2, 0, 00, and 000. 8 ga. guns typically are framed 5, 6, or 7. 10 ga. guns typically are 3 or 4. 12 ga. guns typically range from 2 through 1 (more desirable). '1/2' frame 12 ga. guns are very rare and desirable. 20 and 16 ga.'s range from 2 through 0 (more desirable). 28 ga. guns are either 0 or 00 (more desirable and twice as expensive). .410 bore shotguns are 0, 00, or 000 (most common and most desirable). 8 and 10 ga. steel barreled shotguns are very rare, and prices can equate .410 bore values if the original condition is there.

The grade on Parker shotguns is a number or initials located on the water table of the frame. An alphabetical designation would indicate the grade immediately. For numerals, a '2'would indicate a GM, while an '8' would specify an A-1 Special - interpolate for the others (numbers 3 through 7). Parker shotguns manufactured by Remington will have date codes stamped on left barrel flat that corresponds to the month and the year (see Remington serialization in the Serialization Section). Also, if a Parker gun was returned to Remington for repair, alteration, or refinishing, it will usually have the date code stamped with a suffix of 3 (i.e. OK3 represents some type of rework completed in either July of 1941 or 1963). There is some ambiguity with the year as the year codes repeat.

A note about Parker condition: Percentages of condition indicate the amount of original case colors remaining on the frame, but sometimes these colors are faded and the rest of the gun is excellent - hence, all the separate condition factors must be considered when determining overall condition.

A Parker IS NOT 60% if the barrel bluing and stock forearm varnish are 60% but case colors are only 10%. Typically, a 60% case color Parker shotgun will have 90%+ blue and varnish, yet this does not mean the gun is 90% overall. Similarly, a 20% case color Parker will probably have 90% barrel bluing remaining.

Strong, original case colors are the key in determining Parker condition and subsequent values.

Production totals for each of the models listed below are based on the estimates in Peter Johnson's book ' Parker - America's Finest Shotgun', published in 1961. During 1992, Remington opened up the original production ledgers to a group of writers who are in the process of publishing a new book on Parker Brothers. a group of writers who are in the process of publishing a new book on Parker Brothers. This new book will contain updated information regarding actual production totals (including original configuration by ser. no., in many cases).

Parker Brothers Double Barrel Shotgun Serial Numbers

PREMIUMS FOR PARKER SHOTGUNS:

Add 20% for SST
Add 20% for beavertail forearm.
Add 20%-50% for VR (rare on smaller gauges).
Add 20% for straight English stock.
Add 20% for skeleton steel butt plate.
Add 20% for short barrels (26 in. with open chokes).

TROJAN - Parker's lowest-priced gun, single or double triggers, but no auto ejectors available, very rarely found in mint condition because they were used a lot, a genuine utility gun, introduced 1912-13 with approx. 48,000 total mfg.
100%	98%	95%	90%	80%	70%	60%	50%	40%	30%	20%	10%
12 ga.
$2,200	$1,800	$1,500	$1,175	$950	$850	$750	$650	$600	$575	$525	$500
16 ga.
$3,000	$2,500	$2,000	$1,750	$1,500	$1,200	$1,050	$950	$750	$700	$650	$600
20 ga.
$3,500	$3,000	$2,500	$1,800	$1,700	$1,600	$1,500	$1,475	$1,300	$1,100	$1,000	$800

The Blue Book of Gun Values 33rd ed.

Blue Book - Typical Listing

Blue Book - Firearm Abbreviations

Blue Book - Photo Percentage Grading System

Blue Book - Glossary

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Parker Brothers Shotguns 20 Gauge