Parker-Hale reproduction muzzle loading rifles are a popular choice of many. In recent times following the demise of the company the so called '1st Generation' manufacture have become highly desireable items.
 
In May, following several queries about dating Parker-Hale rifles and distinguishing '1st generation' manufacture, possibly from serial numbers, I started to gather information. I now have opportunity to get some questions to someone who was involved with P-H's production of muzzle loading rifles.  
 
If anyone has any specific questions they would like asking please let me know. I am curious for instance as to why/when the Volunteer rifle changed form it's original manufacture with Rigby rifling to Henry rifling. There was also a variant of the P/53 that had 1:48 rifling.
 
I am also seeking serial numbers for the following Parker-Hale muzzle loading rifles, plus the additional information if known. An indication of when the rifle was bought new would be helpful.
 
Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket
   Rifling twist if known: some were manufactured with a 1:48 twist
 
Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle
 
Pattern 1861 Artillery Carbine (Musketoon)
 
Volunteer .451 rifle
   Rifling: Rigby or Henry (the earliest had Rigby rifling)
   Barrel length: 33" or 36"
 
Whitworth .451 rifle
 
Please email the information to me at [email protected] or use the form available via www.lrml.org/parkerhale/index.htm. You will also find some preliminary information on P-H rifles available here.
 
I appreciate that some people are sensitive to providing such information, but assure you that it will be treated in confidence.
 
Thanks for your co-operation.
 
I'm not sure how quick I can get answers back to my questions but I will post feedback when available. These fine reproductions continually generate interest and myth and it is a shame not to try and pull something of their history together.
 
David

Bill,
 
Not having seen one of the early 'Rigby' rifled Volunteers I had always assumed that the rifling form was the same as the muzzle loading match rifles. Was this not the case?
 
Still early days yet, and I only have 23 P/58's recorded so far, but yours is the lowest serial number to appear so far.
 
The Rigby rifled Volunteers and Whitworths are pretty well in the 100-1000 range. Another series of Whitworths may start around 15000. The Enfields, in no apparent order for type, are appearing between 1000 and 10000.
 
This is very 'broad brush' from around 100 serial numbers recorded. There are some exceptions though, such as a couple of P/61 Carbines numbered less than 1000.
 
David