10 GA Parker Hammer Lifter Ser#20424
 

A friend of mine was left a high grade Parker in rough shape. 10 Ga. Ser. #20424.
Markings: "3" on barrel lug. "5" on flat part of barrel.
The gun has a good deal of rust. The bores seem fine. The action is flawless.
I was thinking of sending it to an expert in Parker restoration to see if it worth restoring. Can anyone suggest some options?
Thanks.

Brad Bachelder in Grand Rapids Michigan for an authentic Parker restoration.

Mark

That is something beautiful. I like the hammers on it. Makes me want a Parker hammer gun.

Brad is good, there's no question about that.

Recommend you do a lot of homework first. There are a number of restoration experts who can bring that gun to it's former glory and each one uses slightly different methods and gets slightly different results. Take a close look at examples of all of their work and compare them with known original high-grade Parker Bros. hammerguns.... then decide.

Not trying to sway you but simply pointing out that there are options and for the money you're likely to spend on such a worthy project you need to go into it with both eyes open.

If you can't afford the prices you will be quoted... either leave it alone or sell it to someone who will do it justice.

That is a stunning $250 or A grade Parker. That is some of the best engraving on a gun of that grade which I believe is the highest grade Parker made at the time. I will second the recommendation Of Brad Bachelder. His metal restoration is as close to original as I have ever seen. You have a treasure!
David

That is a nice looking gun. You might want to consider just cleaning it up. You might be surprisrd.

You might not consider just cleaning it up. That gun deserves something special. The forend wood interests me. Looks like a semi beavertail.

oh my! oh my! it is wonderful as it is! please, please do not molest it...

Before going into a full restoration with case colors and soup to nuts, I would ask Brad if he may be able to just clean up the metal to the frame / hammers, etc ... removing any remaining surface rust. Of course it all depends how deep the pits are. You may be looking at re-engraving to the breech balls. If a good cleanup is possible, I would keep the frame "as is" cleaned up and restore the Damascus barrels, and a light cleaning of the wood.

Congrats on a great Parker.

Clean it up and SHOOT it. Looks great as is. If 10 gauge shells are to expensive , use inserts and use 12 gauge.