David,

Ihave a Parker Hale 1853. Serial number 2559. It's a Birmingham production in .577 with 1 in 48.

Enjoy your articles in lrml and the club events. Have been shooting muzzle loaders many years and had an original 1853 at one time.

I shoot smooth bore also (Charleville .69)and american frontier, pennsylvania rifles.

I believe the Parker Hale is unfired. Just got it a few weeks ago. The markings on the underside of the barrel state "3 1/2 Grams? Drams? with 536 grain bullet" Is this the proof load?

Have seen a few Birmingham 1858's for sale but very few '53's so I felt lucky to get this one.

Hope all's well with you and you have good weather for the Schutzenfest!

Best Regards,
Michael Zacharko