Assistance please

[William Woods]

I picked up a Parker DHE 12 GA, 30 inch barrels, double triggers, at an auction some time ago. It functions as it should. Cosmetically it needs some help. According to the Parker Serialization Book this Parker had a straight stock. The letter I obtained from the PGCA states the gun had a capped pistol grip stock. I do not believe the butt stock on the gun is original to the gun. It currently has a capped pistol gripped stock. The forend has the inlets for the two points at each end of the iron, but the iron does not have the points, just the round ends. Were the point separate from the rest of the iron? The beads from the rib were missing when I got the gun. Would this gun have had dual ivory beads, or the brass type? Where could I find beads for this Parker? The fore end is easily removable, but the barrels cannot be removed from the gun. There is a rod on the right front side of the receiver that is flush with the front. I have been told that this rod should protrude, and that being stuck is the reason that barrels cannot be removed. I checked with one of the well known names on the work that needs to be done and was told the estimate would be about three times the value of the gun. That is not a prudent move for me so I might stick to a stock replacement and having the forend refinished. Suggestions to this newly renewed member would be appreciated.

[Bill Murphy]

If you were to post a series of pictures of your gun and the problem areas, we could tell you what you are up against, financially, and whether the cost will exceed the value of the gun. We will also tell you whether your wood is original to the gun and whether it should be repaired or replaced.

[William Woods]

Thanks Mr. Murphy. I am technology challenged and will have to see if someone with a digital camera can take the pictures and find a way to post them here. I understand that pictures taken with a cell phone do not transmit well.

[Dean Romig]

Actually, cell phone pictures are fine for posting pictures on the forum but less than desirable for publication in any kind of print media. Just be sure the pictures are taken with most dpi or highest resolution and be sure your pictures are sharp and clear.





.

[William Woods]

Mr. Murphy,

I was unable to get the pictures to this site. I was able to send some pictures to Mr. Romig. I asked him to share those with anyone that might be able to assist. I am hoping he will be able to share them on this site. Thank you for any assistance you may provide in obtaining the parts that I may require.

[Dean Romig]

Here are the photos that Mr. Woods sent me earlier today.

It appears that the buttstock has been replaced and that the points of the fore and aft ends of the forend latch have been filed off. Looks like an early "banjo" wall clock. The forend wood however, looks original.


.

[Brett Youngster]

Why would the points be filed off? Isn't it more likely that the latch is a replacement scavenged from another gun?

[Dean Romig]

Tha engraving says Parker to me.




.

[William Woods]

The inner metal to the latch has a matching serial number to the rest of the gun. The engraving appears to match that on other areas as well. The lack of the points is one of the questions that I have.

[Dean Romig]

We've seen stranger things done to Parkers, but that ranks right up among the strange ones.





.

[Dean Romig]

Are there any other opinions regarding Mr. Woods' butt stock?





.

[Brian Dudley]

It is a poorly made non original replacement. Looks likr it has a ton of drop.

I have seen the points removed or broken off parker latches a few times before. They were in cases where the forend was non original and inassumed that the maker was too unskilled or lazy to inlet the points. So they figured it easier to remove them. But this gun has the oringinal forend wood on it. Who knows. Obviously a replacement latch is the more realistic way to go than repairing it.
The barrels unhooking could be a number of things. A search of this forum on the topic or a read of my article in PP on the subject may point to some possible solutions.