The included Parker Gun Collectors Association letter confirms the serial number, gauge, barrel length, stock configuration, and shipment on March 10, 1898, to Buchanan & Rhodes Company of Parsons, Pennsylvania. Single steel bead sight on the concave matte rib marked "PARKER BROS MAKERS. MERIDEN CONN. DAMASCUS STEEL." Parker Brothers manufactured 974 Damascus barrel shotguns in this grade and barrel length. Features 2 9/16 inch chambers, single extractor, and modified/improved modified chokes. Matching serial numbers are stamped on the barrel lug, water table, forearm hardware, and lower tang. The casehardened receiver features standard "D" grade engraving with hunting dogs on point on the sides with "PARKER BROS" in banners and three ducks on the bottom. The dog and bird scenes are surrounded with tight detailed scroll engraving. The tangs and trigger guard are similarly engraved. Mounted on a multi-point checkered splinter forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber grip cap, and lightly engraved skeleton buttplate on a checkered bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements are: bore diameter at 9 inches from breech .732/.733 inches; wall thickness at 9 inches from breech .0485/.049 inches; drop at comb 1 5/8 inches; drop at heel 2 inches; length of pull 14 inches. Includes a Redhead brand mutton leg case with straps.

Very good. The barrels have aged to a smooth gray patina with strong Damascus patterning, scattered light dings, crisp rib markings, and handling marks. The receiver has traces of muted original case colors in the more protected areas and the balance has aged to a smooth gray patina with finely detailed engraving, clear markings, and handling marks on the trigger guard and tangs. The wood is fine with scattered small indentations, light surface scratches, well defined checkering, and handling marks throughout. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with solid construction, tight stitching, scattered small scuffs and dings, and moderate age cracking on the straps and hinge.