Parker Bros. CH Grade 4 12Ga SXS Shotgun 1927 C&R Custom by Frank Pachmayr
SOLD FOR: $5,125.00
LSB#: LSB250718LT085
Make: Parker Brothers
Model: C Grade 4 Hammerless
Serial Number: 220526
Year of Manufacture: 1927
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Side by Side, Single Trigger Shotgun with Extractor
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “PARKER BROS MAKERS. MERIDEN CONN. ACME STEEL”. Each barrel flat is marked “+”, the right “4”, “A”, “4” with a “1” superscript and “OVERLOAD / PARKER BROS / PROOVED”. The left is marked “OVERLOAD / PARKER BROS / PROOVED”. The barrel lug is marked “12” on the bottom, and “220526” on the left. The top of the forend iron is marked “20526”.
The water table is marked “PAT’D OCT. 25 1910. / CH / 220526 / 4”. Each side of the case colored receiver has “PARKER BROS” over an engraved pointer or setter scene. The case colored trigger plate has an engraved waterfowl scene. The case colored receiver and reblued guard have heavy scroll and border engraving. The bottom tang is marked “220526”. . There is also a gold colored “coin” engraved with “DONATED BY NAN AND FRANK PACHMAYR / TO DUCKS UNLIMITED” inlaid in the stock.
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Choke: Fixed: Right: Modified Left: Full.
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead hooded in blue metal at the front of the rib behind a scribed line. Midway of the barrel we find a white alignment bead. The top of the rib has a wavy serration pattern for glare reduction.
Weight: 8 lb., 10.4 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with beavertail forend, straight grip, initial plate inlaid to the belly, fluted straight comb and later applied red Pachmayr recoil pad. The stocks have a few scattered minor marks and some minor scuffing along each side of the stock behind the grip. The checking is well defined. The cast is about neutral. LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in an Excellent condition as professionally restored. The drop at comb is 1 3/8 ”. The drop at heel is 1 ½”.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There are just a few scratches. This writer rates them at 9/10.
Overall Condition: This barrels retain about all of their original metal finish. The barrel rib has been carefully cut out, modified with posts, and returned to its new, raised position with a ramp installed. The barrels have strong bluing that have not been handling-marked since it was restored. The case coloring on the receiver has faded a bit but the original, grade 4 engraving is still beautiful and defined. The action has minimal operational wear with a very tight lockup. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened. The shotgun features a single trigger and an extractor. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: none
Our Assessment: This Parker Brothers DH Grade Hammerless comes to us from 1927, the year Charles Lindbergh made his famous Atlantic crossing. The CH or Grade 4 was one of the higher grades offered with carved stocks and beautiful engraving. This example was produced with 30″ Acme steel barrels choked Modified and Full, showing very little wear (and not at all since their refurbishment). Based on the “coin” in the belly of the stock, that refurbishment appears to have been done by Frank Pachmayr himself — with the rib-raising being a wonderful example of gunsmithing. This gun is in very nice shape, particularly when one considers that it’s almost 100 years old.
This shotgun would make a great addition to any collection, especially an avid bird hunter or Parker collector. Please see our photos.
-C.B.
