Lot 1365: Documented Parker Brothers A1-Special Double Barrel Shotgun

Manufactured in 1908 on a size "2" frame. According to the chart on page 377 of "The Parker Story" by Gunther, Mullins, Parker, Price, and Cote, this is one of only 13 A1-Specials built with 32 inch barrels in 12 gauge. Blued, Whitworth Steel dovetail lump barrels with dual white bead sights on the matted, concave solid rib marked "PARKER BROS. MAKERS, MERIDEN. CONN. WHITWORTH STEEL." The barrels have 3 inch chambers, standard markings on the flats, 1 1/2 inch wedges of floral scroll engraving at either breech, and 1 1/2 inch wedges at the muzzles. The casehardened boxlock action features beautifully carved fences, jewelled watertable, and relief engraved floral scroll engraving on a matted background surrounding "PARKER BROS." on either side. The trigger guard has two teardrops and a diamond cut out from it as well as matching floral engraving. Double triggers and an automatic tang mounted safety switch with gold inlaid "S". Beautiful, highly figured fancy checkered walnut forearm with Deeley latch release and engraved fittings, and a pistol grip stock with checkered fluer-de-lis carved flats, inscription plate in the grip cap reading "Ben/Hisle/Lexington, Ky", and leather and rubber recoil pad. There are many period articles that mention Ben Hisle in shooting clubs and competitions in the Lexington, Kentucky area. He was quite the accomplished wingshooter and winner of many shoots. The gun is also pictured on pages 361 and 362 of the aforementioned book "The Parker Story" and on the cover of Peter H. Johnson's "Parker: America's Finest Shotgun" (a copy of which is included). Both books list the gun as coming from noted Parker Gun dealer Hershel Chadick of Chadick Ltd., whom was inducted into the Parker Gun Foundation Hall of Fame in 2016 shortly after his passing. The configuration is confirmed as an A1-Special with 32 inch barrels and ejectors in 12 gauge on page 420 of "Parker Gun Identification and Serialization" by Price and Fjestad. Includes a later leather bound takedown case with Parker trade label and canvas cover containing two rosewood handled turnscrews, cleaning rod, oiler, and rosewood handled brass brush. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameters 9 inches from the breech measure .736/.737 inches; choke constriction .030/.041 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.028 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 12 oz.

Very fine, retaining 99% refurbished blue on the barrels and 80% original case colors with some fading and the balance a silvered patina. The metal shows limited handling evidence, some oxidation on the gold triggers, and a few tiny pits under the finish on the under barrel rib. The chambers have been lengthened. The wood is also very fine with some scratches, a slight repair at the end of the upper tang, and crisp checkering. The case is very fine and the accessories are very good-very fine with some oxidation on the turnscrews. Mechanically excellent.