Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 419

Lot 419:Parker Bros AAHE Pigeon Gun Double Barrel Shotgun

November 30th, 2018|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 419

Lot 419:Parker Bros AAHE Pigeon Gun Double Barrel Shotgun

November 30th, 2018|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$25,000 - $40,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Historic Elaborately Engraved Parker Brothers AAHE Pigeon Gun Double Barrel Shotgun with Gold Grip Cap Inscribed to Whiskey Distiller R.D. Clarke of Peoria, Illinois

Manufactured in 1907. Single bead sight on the matte concave rib marked "PIGEON GUN PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN, CONN. WHITWORTH STEEL" with 2 3/4 inch chambers, standard markings on the flats, automatic ejectors, and modified/full chokes. The water table is marked with the patent dates and "7/140450/A". There are 2 1/2 inch wedges of deep cut scroll and vine engraving on the breech ends of both barrels. The receiver features full coverage, bold, floral and scroll engraving with interwoven floral blooms, "PARKER BROS." marked on the underside, and artfully sculpted fences. The trigger guard, break lever, and tangs are engraved to match. With dual gold washed triggers and tang mounted automatic sliding safety. Finely checkered splinter forearm with engraved fittings and pistol grip stock with inset gold initial oval inscribed "R.D. CLARKE/PEORIA/ ILI", fancy fleur-de-lis carved accents, checkered flats, and leather wrapped recoil pad over a solid hard rubber buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements are: bore diameter at 9 inches from breech .735/.735 inch; bore constriction .023(modified)/.040(full); minimum wall thickness .042/.042 inch; drop at comb 1 3/4 inches; droop at heel 2 7/8 inches; length of pull 14 3/8 inches. The Clarke family of Peoria, Illinois, operated a distillery from 1862 up until Prohibition. In 1899, the "Clarke Bros." firm was led by Charles C. Clarke and Chauncy D. Clarke who formed "The Whiskey Trust” and reportedly mercilessly worked to shutdown their competition throughout the Midwest and even beyond. Sometimes they even used dynamite! One of their brand names was "R.D.C. Bourbon." Robert D. Clarke was the distillery's manager at the turn of the century and was wealthy enough to afford to have Frank Lloyd Wright design an addition to his stables. In 1913, Robert Clarke became a vice-president in the company. He was also involved in other regional businesses including the Commercial German National Bank. See "Peoria's Clarke Brothers & The Whiskey Trust" by Jack Sullivan in Bottles and Extras (September - October, 2009 issue) available online for more information on the family.

ConditionFine. 60% blue remains with some areas of mild thinning, small scratches, and some light spotting. The receiver has 20% of the original case colors, predominantly in the protected areas, with the remaining areas an overall dark uniform gray patina, and detailed engraving. The refinished wood is very fine with the added recoil pad, crisp checkering and some small dings. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerParker Bros
ModelA Grade
TypeShotgun
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Long Gun
Caliber / Gauge12
Barrel30 inch solid rib
Finishblue/casehardened
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1908
Catalog page186
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 478Factory Engraved Parker Brothers DHE Double Barrel Shotgun
View Lot
Lot 482Parker Brothers VH Grade Factory "Try Gun" Double Barrel Shotgun
View Lot
Lot 484Parker Brothers .410 Bore VHE Grade Double Barrel Shotgun
View Lot
Lot 3549Factory Engraved Parker Brothers 16 Gauge GH Grade Shotgun
View Lot
Show More