Parker Hammer Light Restoration
 

Thought I would share some details of a light restoration to a Parker Hammer 0 grade. Gun has little color with typical wear, oxidation, and discoloration to frame. Barrels had a couple dents with a few pits and some orange peel in the bores. However, color on barrels was still good (distant recolor perhaps). Forearm was well worn and oil soaked with checkering and borders worn. Stock had a toe chip, the usual dings, bruises, and wrist checkering wear. Screws are not ideal. Here is how it turned out.
Gun in question........
https://i.imgur.com/mntt9me.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/j8CEV3M.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MXfUWON.jpg

Oil Soak
 

Stock head was very oil soaked, could not see any grain. While getting the oil out smith found a couple cracks needing repair. First two are before, third is after.

https://i.imgur.com/4KOWLi8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uCtxGUD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5dn5uHv.jpg

Toe Chip
 

Unsightly toe chip......before

https://i.imgur.com/zFXZJQp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IZsuIgy.jpg

After
https://i.imgur.com/rbAvU8S.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/R1q5DyW.jpg

Forearm
 

Forearm was cleaned up and checkering cleaned with a pass through. Borders re-cut.

Before

https://i.imgur.com/JKX08OY.jpg

After

https://i.imgur.com/bGFy9Zu.jpg

Wrist checkering
 

Wrist checkering was pretty good with most wear on borders. Therefore, decide to try and match forearm wear look so tried to clean checkering and only re-cut borders.

Before

https://i.imgur.com/sxOp4AE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2fK4nrp.jpg

After

https://i.imgur.com/VYECRtK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pHTK17m.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RdBC90S.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/s4NL77A.jpg

Project
 

My intent with the project was to get the gun safe to shoot (inspection, dents, oil soak). I also did not want a total restoration...more of a light restoration so it would still show age. Therefore, I was interested in keeping the wood a little darker and yet give it some finish for protection. A little glossy for me but happy with the results.


Stock

https://i.imgur.com/5vPinPp.jpg

After

https://i.imgur.com/V9saNd5.jpg

This is how such guns should be done. Way to go.

Credit
 

I should be clear that I did not do the restoration, just gave the parameters. Barrels are courtesy of Breck Gorman and furniture cleanup was done by Craig Libhart. Both were great to work with and I would recommend their work.

A "Hunter's" refinish! Very nicely done, but doesnt take away the characteristics of a fine old gun. Kind of what I was thinking about for my sidelever Greener in a current post.

Thanks
 

Yes, actually you are the inspiration for my post. I didn't want to clutter up your thread so I posted here under restorations.

I like your "lite" restoration on this gun. A clean-up without destroying the history. Well done.

Very nice Dean. Some of these old guns are well past this approach but when you can make it work like you did the end result is really nice. Best of luck with it.

Brian;
If you remember you did a GHE straight grip 12 for me a few years back achieving the same results. I love the look of the "refreshing" technique you used.:bowdown:

case harden color?
 

I have the same model Parker in similar condition. Have you tried any methods to try and bring out the case hardened color? You can see pics of my gun in the intro section. I just bought the gun and joined the PGCA and I am looking for all info about cleaning up this old gun. Thanks

When the color is worn off there is no way to bring it back. The hardening of the steel is several thousandths of an inch deep into the steel but the color is just a very thin molecular layer and once it has worn off it’s gone.

Crud (patina) on top of the color can be removed to a great degree but doing so, depending on the gun, must be a very considered decision.





.

I have read that sonic cleaners will often clean the surface to such a degree that more of the case colors are visible. True, once they're worn away they're gone but, according to what I read, ofttimes there is more color under the surface grime than we think, and the sonic cleaner gets it off.

To be clear, I have not tried this myself, but it was reported to be completely safe for ccc actions. Before and after photos that accompanied what I read showed the obvious results.

Nice job on the light refurbishing.

SRH

This may be an unfounded rumor but I’ve heard/read that springs should be removed before sonic cleaning. I think I said that sometime last year and it was quickly “dispelled” but if it has happened to only one person I’m definitely not taking the chance.
Had something to do with the crystalization of the leaf spring steel.





.

Not unfounded Dean. That has been said to be the case by more than one knowledgeable person on the forum.

Once worn, colors cannot be “brought back” through cleaning. The same goes for damascus finish, and wood finish. Any finish.

The finishes being obscured by dirt, dried oil, or other surface contaminants is a different story. That is because the finish is covered, hidden, or even protected of you will. But
Not worn off.

And yes, colors always look great fresh out of an ultrasonic bath. But that is because the metal is wet. No different than if you coat something with oil. It will accentuate the appearance of existing color and finishes.

Thanks all. I thought that might be the case. I have an old Stevens Double which I cleaned thoroughly but it really didn't do much to bring back the color. Another question: What would you use to clean the receiver and barrels? The barrels are very bright where they've been hiding under the hand guard for 100 years but not so there they've been exposed. Does exposure to air and UV dull the metal of the Damascus?

Fantastic!!! That is so well done!!! I call it preservation not restoration. It's so great we have craftsmen and collectors that are taking this approach and craftsmen so talented and sensitive to maintaining the look of a 100 year old gun. I would add Dan May to list of modern day vintage shotgun artists. Well done!