Parker Brothers AHE

Parker Brothers · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1875

Also known as: Parker AHE, Parker A Grade Hammerless Ejector, Parker A Grade

Overview

The Parker Brothers AHE is a side-by-side, break-action double-barreled shotgun representing the A grade of Parker's celebrated hammerless line. In the grade code the 'A' denotes Parker's Grade 6, the second-highest standard offering, the 'H' the hammerless boxlock action, and the 'E' factory-fitted automatic ejectors. As a high-grade gun it carried fine dog- and game-scene engraving, highly figured English or Circassian walnut, a gold-shield stock and grip cap, and premium Damascus or Acme fluid-steel barrels. This example is chambered in 20 gauge with a top lever and double triggers.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2950 g (104.1 oz)
Overall Length1143 mm (45.00")
Barrel Length711 mm (27.99")
Action TypeBreak Action
Firing MechanismInternal Hammer
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity2 rounds
Muzzle Velocity380 m/s (1247 fps)
Effective Range40 m (44 yd)
Barrel RiflingNone
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Production

Estimated total produced: 306 · Production years: 1875-1942

Approximately 306 hammerless A-grade guns produced across all gauges; the A grade was introduced circa 1875 as Parker's highest grade of the period at $300

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Discontinued: 1942

Notes

Grade suffixes: 'H' = hammerless, 'E' = automatic ejectors. The A grade sat just below the AAH and A-1 Special at the top of Parker's range. Only about 306 hammerless A-grade guns were produced across all gauges, making surviving examples highly collectible. Parker production passed to Remington in 1934, which continued Parker guns until about 1942.

Background

Parker Brothers of Meriden, Connecticut earned the nickname 'Old Reliable', and its high-grade guns such as the A grade are among the most coveted American doubles ever made; premium Parker shotguns routinely command five- and six-figure sums at auction today.