Sweep;
Not that familar with Parker hammer guns, but suspect by 1888 they would have been using what are referred to as rebounding locks. On these locks with the hammers down they do not quite contact the firing pins, even with the pins fully retracted into the breech. Pushing upon the hammer with your thumb will reveal it canot be pushed forward onto the F-pin "Unless" the trigger is pulled. While admitting that "Safety" is largely the "Operator Factor" my personal belief is the rebounding locks are the safest type of hammer guns, & "Personally" if carrying one of these afield, I cary it loaded, hammers down & gun closed & securely bolted. If carrying any gun open be absolutely certain it has an adequate Check Hook, many didn't, though I suspect the Parker did.
