Parker Bros.
Parker Bros (also known at various times as Parker Brothers Manufacturing Company, Parker Brothers Guns, and Parker Bros. Shotguns) was an American firearms firm, mostly producing shotguns from 1867 to 1942. During these years, approximately 242,000 guns were produced in various grades, and are widely considered the finest and most collectible American shotgun.
Models
All Parker guns are break-open style actions, most of which are side-by-side double barreled designs; the remainder are single barrel guns intended for use in trap shooting.
For the first 20+ years of production, Parker Bros. used an exposed hammer design, but by 1888 the first hammer-less guns were offered for sale.
Parker guns were offered in 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, 28 and .410 gauges. There is an experimental example known to have been produced in 18 gauge. All else being equal, the smaller the gauge the more scarce and valuable a Parker gun would be in today's world.
Parker guns were sold at various price points; the basic gun being the same design with the price increasing as production costs (engraving, fit and finish, quality of wood grain, barrel steel, etc.). These grades included: dollars grades, Trojan & VH through A-1 Special/ Invincible.
History
Parker Bros. was launched in Meriden, Connecticut, as Parker Snow Co. by Charles Parker whose mission was to produce rifles for the U.S. Army during the Civil War.
Famous shooters
Parker guns were often viewed as the gun of choice by celebrities including: Annie Oakley, Frank Butler, Clark Gable, as well as the top ranked competition shooters of the day.
PGCA
There is an active interest in Parker guns today, most visibly represented by the Parker Gun Collector's Association.
References
Johnson, Peter H. (1961). Parker, America's finest shotgun. New York: Bonanza Books. 260 pages.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Parker Bros.. |
- Parker shotguns Courtesy of NRA Museums
- Parker Gun Collectors Association