April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
New York Fire Department related Parker Brothers CHE, 12 gauge. 2-3/4" chambers. 1-1/2 Frame. 28" barrels are marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. U.S.A. ACME STEEL” on matted game rib. Barrel flats and lumps are stamped with all correct markings along with Parker Overload proofs. Action has all correct patent and grade markings on water table, and features automatic safety and nickel-plated single selective Parker trigger. Action is engraved in “C” style with near full coverage scroll within geometric borders surrounding single dogs on sides. “PARKER BROS” is behind dog scenes. Trigger plate has vignette of a duck flying over a marsh. Nicely figured American walnut Parker capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4" over skeleton buttplate. Stock is finished in “C” fashion with side panels, drop points, and fancy pattern checkering at grip. Matching splinter ejector forend has typical release and patent date on iron. 28 inch barrel with chokes measuring cylinder and modified with 14-1/4 length of pull and Cast: neutral. Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz. Gun matches PARKER GUN SERIALIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION ORDER BOOK and Parker Gun Collectors letter dated Feb 22 2018. PROVENANCE: Factory letter stating gun was completed in 1912, and confirming specifications as well as indicating shipped to Charles Parker of Warren Street, New York. and returned to factory in 1915 for engraving on shield and the addition of an additional gold shield. Not mentioned is the presentation inscription on the shield. "PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN JOHN KELLY BY THE OFFICERS OF THE MARINE DIVISION UPON COMPLETING TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT". CONDITION: Very good, barrels retain 30% blue finish with balance turning patina with age and use. Receiver is silvered out with slight discoloration in protected areas. Engraving slightly softened. Stocks retain over generous amounts what appears to be original varnish, perhaps with a bit of oil rubbed in as maintenance, with some light marks and typical bruises. Checkering is beginning to darken and is rather worn on forearm. Bores are excellent. Mechanically excellent. A very honest high grade Parker, All “C” grade Parkers are fairly scarce, with about 1700 hammerless guns being made, A brief historical search found that Captain John Kelly was awarded numerous medals for valor and was obviously very well thought of by his men. This gun cost a staggering $131.00 in 1912, at a time when a Private in the US Army was paid approximately $20.00 per month.