M107 Rare Early Parker Percussion Shotshell for T-Latch Guns - 1867
Description: Excellent example of what is commonly referred to as the "Parker Cone” shotshell. These shotshells were used in the early T-Latch shotguns manufactured by the Meriden Manufacturing Company of Meriden. The T-Latch shotgun system was patented by William H. Miller on November 13, 1866, under U.S. Patent No. 59,723.
The guns were produced by the Meriden Manufacturing Company under the direction of Charles Parker, with the patent assigned to the company. These early breech-loading shotguns represent an important transitional design in the rapid evolution of metallic and self-contained shotgun ammunition in the post–Civil War period.
Some examples of these shotshells are headstamped "PAT. APL. FOR.” To date, no corresponding U.S. patent has been confirmed for the ammunition itself. However, the "Cone Shell” cartridge was patented in the United Kingdom as Patent No. 3173 on October 16, 1868, by C. Churchill for W.H. Miller.
The cartridge consists of a brass tube soldered or brazed to a steel head. The center of the head is dished inward and fitted with a percussion nipple designed to accept a small percussion cap. This design reflects the transitional nature of early shotgun ignition systems, bridging percussion-era technology and later self-contained primer developments.
Like many early percussion-primed metallic shotshells, the Parker Cone shell was soon rendered obsolete by the adoption of integrated primer systems, which offered improved reliability, simpler manufacturing, and greater practicality.
This example is in excellent condition. The case shows minor spotting consistent with age, while the interior of the case and the head remain clean and well preserved. I would classify this example as a 12B or 14A shotshell, noting that measurements on these early experimental shells often differ slightly from modern standard gauges.
Overall, this is an excellent example of an early metallic percussion shotshell associated with the formative period of the Parker Brothers industry and the broader development of early breech-loading shotgun technology.
Headstamp: None
Measures: OAL 2.242” or 2 1/4” RD .835” HD .760” Weight 232 Grs.
Reference: "Rare and Unusual Shotshells in the United States" Frederickson & Nedza Pgs. 174-175
Price: $395.00
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Ian Workman
American Civil War Relics &
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