For sale is Parker Brothers Under lifter Dollar Grade side-by-side shotgun in 12ga. Serial number- 4009. We believe this was Mfg. in 1874 due to the Serial number. The bores are in great condition which makes it even more special for their age! Considering its age the wood is in great condition with one small crack in the heel of the buttstock as seen in the pictures. Damascus steel barrels. Checkering on the forend and stock as well as engravings throughout. Has double triggers and extractors. Round knob grip stock. LOP = 14.25 to front trigger, Drop at comb = 2", Drop at heel = 3". This is a great opportunity to own an early one-of-a-kind Parker Shotgun!

From 1869 until 1875, the startup years for the Parker shotgun, Parker didn't grade their guns. The guns are not stamped with a grade marking and the advertising of the time described the features and the price of the various styles but didn't refer to them by a standard name. We know that many peculiar features are present on the early Parker guns, almost as though the factory was searching for what would become their standard.

The fledgling Parker Gun Works would have been a fascinating young business endeavor to see grow and evolve. Imagine, it was a time in American history immediately following a devastating Civil War and in the midst of the Industrial Revolution; at a time in gun history with the advent of the breech-loading gun. There was an immigration of skilled artisans from Europe and a vast expansion in the American West.

Parker Brothers knew they wanted to produce a quality shotgun for the discerning sportsman. They put together a team of skilled gunsmiths, engravers, carvers, etc.; this team probably ranged from highly skilled and experienced, to entered apprentice. They had the freedom to experiment and perfect their art, along with all the innovations made during that time.

Being a young business, Parker Brothers was also trying to grow and expand sales. A price list was circulated with general descriptions of "grades", all based on the amount of embellishment. When an order was received, a gun was assembled or chosen from production, to fit the description and priced accordingly. This is why, prior to 1875, no two Parker guns are alike, even within the same general price description.
V1-J2
Barrel Length: 30
Bore condition: Good
Year Manufactured: 1874