October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
E. C. Griffith, hotelier, of Pascoag, RI, won the 1901 Grand American championship, the last year that live bird shooting was included in the event. The gun that he used, a "DH" straight grip Parker, was ordered in 1898. It was pictured on the 1903 Parker calendar and exists today. It has a large gold plaque on right side of butt with information of the shoot, and his score. Parker Brothers was obviously impressed by his shooting skill, and presented him this gun AAH number 104021, which according to Parker Gun Collectors letter, was shipped December 13, 1901 with 32" Whitworth barrels, pistol grip stock, with special instructions, "no safety, no butt, put gold shield on side of stock "Presented to E. C. Griffith, Pascoag, RI By Parker Bros"". Letter also relates that the gun was returned in 1902 to be re-stocked with a straight grip and to install Silver pad. The gun was returned a number of other times for maintenance. It seems Mr. Griffith sold this gun to Mr. C. F. Winslow who returned it to the factory in 1917 to fit two triggers and refresh stock and checkering. In 1918 Mr. Winslow returned the gun again to "engrave the shield". The gun remains in this final configuration today, with its 32" Whitworth steel barrels, so engraved on top rib, which also states "Pigeon Gun Parker Bros Makers Meriden Conn". Rib is presently fitted with two ivory beads, and there are four plugged holes after removal of other beads (per factory letter). Barrel flats and lumps are stamped with all correct markings. Bottoms of barrels have Whitworth sheaf-of-wheat trademarks. Case hardened number 2 action has patent dates, serial numbers, "7", and "A" on water table, and is filed in "AA" style with three beads around fences, and chevron on top lever. No safety is fitted. Double triggers are nickel-plated. Action is engraved with near full coverage open shaded scroll with scattered floral highlights within geometric borders as often found on "AA" grade guns. "Parker Bros" is in rectangle on bottom of action. This fine engraving extends to trigger guard which has serial number on tang. Well streaked and somewhat figured flesh-toned European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 15" over old Silver pad. Checkering is of usual "AA" style with checkered side panels having fleur-di-lis drop points and fancy pattern wrapping over top of grip with flourishes and shaped borders from comb to toe line. Right side of stock has inlet gold shield engraved with a flying duck. Matching splinter ejector forend has fancy filed and engraved tip, is near fully checkered, and has usual Parker release engraved with patent date. CONDITION: Very good, as found. Barrels retain approximately 90% of an old re-black, with some light flecking, silvering to sharp edges, and some light scratches. Action retains traces of case color where protected, is mostly pewter gray. Engraving on normal wear points is slightly softened. Stocks retain most of an old factory finish (1917). Pad flattened and partially redressed. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. THE PARKER STORY relates that a total of 238 "AA" grade hammerless doubles were made, 35 in 12 gauge with 32" barrels. A lovely old Parker with a great history. MGM 178
Barrel Wall Thickness
L .031 R .022
Choke
L .038 (full) R .038 (full)
Internal Bore Diameter
L .732 R .733
Length Of Pull
15" neutral cast