April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
According to Parker research letter, this fine gun was ordered in 1900 for Franklin Stearns of Richmond, Virginia. It was shipped in January 1901. It features 32" Titanic barrels, half pistol grip, full comb, Silver pad, and no safety. Forend was to be checkered all over and the "shield" was to be engraved "F S". Chokes were full and full with length of pull of 14-1/2", drop at comb 1-3/8", and drop at heel 2-1/4". It remains with all these specification today, except right barrel has modified choke. All correct markings and numbers are on barrels and water table. No. 2 frame is engraved with 90% coverage scroll surrounding unusual and attractive pattern of foliage and blossoms, all within geometric borders. Action is filed with well shaped beads around fences and chevron on top lever. Stock with typical "A" grade checkering and drop points is of very nicely marbled and stump figured European walnut. Gold oval on ball of grip is engraved "F. S". Pad has been renewed at a later date with remnants of widow's peak from original still in place. CONDITION: Fine, as lightly factory refinished. Barrels retain 80% of an old factory quality re-black with numerous light marks. Action retains 80% of a factory re-color, engraving remains clear. Stock retain most of an old oil refinish over what is possibly original finish with numerous light scratches. Drop points show some wear. Checkering is somewhat worn but shows no evidence of restoration or being recut. Bores are fine, with a few scattered pits and one or two light dents, mostly in left barrel. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Matches ledger except for notation of capped pistol grip stock. This gun was featured in the Winter 2014 Double Gun Journal article, “A Grand Prize for Featherweight" that tells of Mr. Stearns shooting this Parker at the legendary 1901 Grand American Handicap Tournaments (live birds and targets) both held at Interstate Park in Queens, New York. This gun was featured in "The Parker Story" indicates that only six of the 306 "AH" hammerless guns were produced with Titanic steel barrels, only two of which were 32” in length. A grand old Parker from the halcyon days of competitive live bird shooting in America. MGM27. CORRECTION: Right barrel choke .030 – Lt. Full.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L) .025 (R) .027
Choke
(L) .038 - Full (R) .030 – Lt. Full
Internal Bore Diameter
(L) .732 (R) .732