Manufactured in circa 1896, this Parker Bros. shotgun features a single steel bead sight on the concave matte rib marked "PARKER BROS. MAKERS MERIDEN CONN. U.S.A. ACME STEEL" with pointing arrows at each end. Chambered 3", choked modified/improved modified with ejectors. The casehardened receiver has a floral scroll engraving with hunting dogs on each side and two running deer on the bottom. Each side is also marked "PARKER BROS" in a banner. Double triggers, tang mounted automatic safety and mounted with a checkered forearm with engraved hardware and pistol grip stock with checkered Fleur di Lis flats, engraved skeletonized buttplate and checkered bare butt. The grip cap has a gold oval plaque engraved "A BIRTHDAY PRESENT / TO / DR J.B.S. HOLMES / FROM / J.R. GRAY / ATLANTA. GA. / MAY 1st. 1897". Research by the consignor found that in 1890, Dr. Holmes gunned down his brother-in-law, Deforrest Allgood, the son of Andrew P. Allgood, the founder of a cotton mill in Chattooga County, Georgia, later becoming the Trion Manufacturing Company starting in the early 1840s. The reason for the shooting is not definitely known, Dr. Holmes was found "not guilty" at his murder trial. J. R. Gray was reportedly a Civil War veteran.

Partially refinished (the barrels), which retain 99% of the blue finish with a couple of minor scratches on the breech end of the right barrel and overall a few light handling marks. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled silver gray patina. The stock is fine with 90% period refinish remaining, overall some scattered minor dents and dings and crisp checkering. The barrel rib marking has been freshened and it and the engraving remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.