April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Parker "VHE" Grade side by side shotgun made by the Parker Brothers Gun Company in 1909. Factory letter states this gun was ordered by Frank Butler, who was Annie Oakley's husband, in 1910 as a pistol grip gun with dimensions more suited to Frank than Annie, and was returned and restocked by Parker with an English grip stock with dimensions still suiting Frank or one of his friends more than Annie. Both orders carry Frank Butler's name through Charles Parker Company of 32 Warren Street, New York. Blued 20 gauge 26" Vulcan Steel barrels with matted rib, bead front sight, ejectors, 2 - 3/4" chambers and fixed Improved Cylinder and Modified chokes. Case hardened "0" frame with VH Grade borderline engraving, non-automatic safety, and later addition Miller single selective trigger with tang safety selector. Upgraded, figured, and checkered walnut English grip stock with non-factory skeleton steel buttplate (letter says "NO BUTT") and matching checkered custom beavertail forearm with latch release; both unnumbered to the gun indicating a possible later professional restock, possibly Del Grego. Comes in maker's label leather covered trunk case with weather cover and cleaning accessories. PROVENANCE: Factory research letter containing information on gun ownership and production data. CONDITION: Overall excellent as restored to as new condition with some custom added non-factory options. Gun looks to have been fired very little since restoration with only light handling marks. Mirror bores and crisp mechanics with screws slightly out of time. Case in excellent condition. Possibly a Del Grego restoration.
Choke
Imp Cyl and Modified