Parker Bros.
Parker Bros., also known at various times as Parker Brothers Manufacturing Company, Parker Brothers Guns, and Parker Bros. Shotguns. were an American firm almost exclusively producing shotguns from approximately 1867 through 1942 . During these years, approximately 242,000 guns were produced in various grades and are widely considered the finest and most collectible American shotgun.
Models
All Parkers are break-open style actions and most were side-by-side double barreled designs, the remainder being single barrel guns intended for use in trap shooting.
For the first 20+ years of production, Parkers used an exposed hammer design, but by 1888 the first hammerless guns were offered for sale.
Parkers were offered in 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, 28 and .410 gauges. There is an experimental example known to have been produced in 18 gauge. All else being equal, the smaller the gauge the more scarce and valuable a Parker will be in today's world.
Parkers were sold at various price points, the basic gun being the same design with the price increasing as production costs (engraving, fit and finish, quality of wood grain, barrel steel, etc.) These grades included: dollars grades. Trojan & VH through A-1 Special/ Invincible
Famous shooters'
Parkers were often seen as the gun of choice by celebrities(Annie Oakley, Frank Butler, Clark Gable, as well as the top ranked competition shooters of the day ( )
PGCA
There is an active interest in Parkers today, most visibly represented by the Parker Gun Collector's Association.
References
Johnson, Peter H. (1961). Parker, America's finest shotgun. New York: Bonanza Books. 260 pages.
External links
- Parker shotguns Courtesy of NRA Museums