October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
(May 1937) Made as an "all gauge" set for the relatively new game of skeet shooting for sportsman and skeet shooting enthusiast, J. Cliff Green of Centerville, MD. Parker came up with two guns, one 12 and 20 gauge on 1/2 frame, the other 28 and .410 gauge on 00 frame, all with 24" barrels with Remington date code "KF". Both guns have single selective triggers, automatic ejectors, and beavertail forends. The barrels normally made for the frames are of Acme steel, while the special extra wide smaller gauge barrels are of Vulcan steel. The story of this incredible set is best told by reading Hershel Chadick's advertisement in the DOUBLE GUN JOURNAL Volume 2 Issue 4, of Winter 1991, where he had them advertised for sale (and sold) at $250.000.00, and included a letter from Parker Brothers to the National Rifle Association outlining the difficulties of their making of this set. (See photo) The guns are listed in the PARKER GUN IDENTIFICATION AND SERIALIZATION ledger with present specifications. As described, guns have special high grade imported wood (nicely marbled and figured) with skeleton buttplates and gold oval inset grip caps (engraved "G"), and have typical "B" style checkering, checkered side panels and fleur-di-lis drop points; as well as specially shaped "A1 Special" style beavertail forends. Engraving is of typical "B" style. Large frame gun has ducks on left side, snipe on right, and a pair of setters on trigger plate. "PARKER" is behind bird scenes. Small frame guns have a pair of quail on left, pheasant on right, and pointers on trigger plate. "J. C. GREEN" is on each trigger guard bow. All barrel sets are marked "Skeet In, Skeet Out". Guns are housed in high quality oak and leather case specially made for them, which has leather trimmed canvas outer cover. Case is lined in green velvet and has gold embossed black leather Parker gun label in lid. Bottom compartment is semi French fitted for both guns and their barrels along with a pair of snap caps for each, and a round oil bottle. A high quality brass and ebony cleaning rod is under the .410 barrel channel. One of two covered compartments holds two keys. CONDITION: Excellent, close to new, as refurbished, most likely by the factory, and subsequently by Turnbull, as each barrel set has a number of Remington repair codes, but all sets have code "RYY3" (November 1952), the most likely date for the final factory re-work. Some subsequent wear is evident with some light silvering of sharp edges and fences of actions, and a few minor marks in wood finish. All bores are excellent, and guns appear to be mechanically excellent, except .410 barrels will not completely close. Case is excellent, with only a few light bumps and scratches in leather. Handle is detached and in covered compartment. Straps are fine. Interior has compressions and marks on cloth, and is generally excellent. Undoubtedly one of the most desirable, rare, and historically significant brace of Parkers ever made. MGM59.
Accessories
Case, Extra Set of Barrels for each gun
Barrel Wall Thickness
(A) (L) .023 (R) .024 (a) L .028 R .030 (B) L .037 R .039 (b) L .037 R .033
Chamber
2 - 3/4" (.410 2 - 1/2")
Choke
(A) (L) .004 (R) .001 (a) (L) .003 (R) .004 (B) (L) .003 (R) .004 (b) skeet/skeet
Drop at Comb
(A) 1 - 7/16" (B) 1 - 3/8"-
Drop at Heel
(A) 2 - 5/16" (B) 2 - 1/16"
Gauge
(A) 12 Gauge, (a) 20 Gauge (B) 28 Gauge (b) .410 Gauge
Internal Bore Diameter
(A) (L) .723 (R) .729 (a) (L) .615 (R) .615 (B) (L) .550 (R) .550 (b) At muzzles (L) .405 (R) .404
Paperwork
Copy of Double Gun Journal
Weight
A) 6 lbs 14 oz. a) 6 lbs 14 oz. B) 6 lbs 14 oz. b) 6 lbs 12 oz.
Serial Number
(A) 240656; (B) 240657