Merry Christmas! Would love opinions on this gun
 

I hope everyone was able to enjoy the holiday safely and spend time with loved ones.

I have this Parker Brothers hammerless double barrel from 1889. From what I can tell, its a class 2 with damascus steel barrels, but I don't know what kind of shape this would be considered in. I would love the opportunity to hear from some of you who appreciate these firearms. I will try to include pictures, and hopefully that works.

Many thanks,
Kev

It is a very early grade-2 hammerless and looks like it could be a good shooter but should be thoroughly checked over by a gunsmith well versed in classic American SXS shotguns and above all, accurately measure the barrel wall thickness and if it is mechanically sound.

We can’t see the frame size which should be stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug but, judging by the barrel weight, I suspect it is a 1-frame. Further, we don’t know what the serial number is.

That carving on the stock appears well done but certainly doesn’t enhance its value and only slightly puts it in a ‘folk art’ category and the fact that someone fitted a spacer between the stock and the butt plate really doesn’t affect the value one way or the other because the mortise for a spurred butt plate is still there.

Please show us the serial number and the frame size stamp as well as the other side and the bottom of the frame. Show the forend checkering, latch and tip too.





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It would be considered in good to fair condition normally. All there and usable, but lacking almost all original finish (with exception of the barrels which are pretty decent looking on the outside). But the stock carving pushes it down into the fair/poor category.

The serial number is 58883, and it is a size 1 frame. Here are a few more pics I have available currently.

Thanks for you thoughts!

Also, am I to understand that the carving on the stock was likely done by my great-great grandfather, or that he had it commissioned? If that's the case, it certainly enhances its value in my eyes, even if it hurts the market value. That would be pretty interesting. :D

Given the fact your great grandfather did the work and the Parker has been in your family all these years makes it priceless. If the gun is fit, use it, if not hang it over the mantle and still be proud of it.

Kevin, we occasionally see carved or decorated gun stocks and a great many of them were poorly done, only rarely seeing one as deeply and intricately carved as yours. IMO it was designed, laid out and carved by a professional furniture maker or gunstock maker trained in the old-style of Germanic or Black Forest ways. If your great grandfather was such a man then so be it, it may be his work. In any case, I think it is an extremely nice feature that offsets an otherwisw mediocre gun.





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Kevin,

One frame Parkers make my heart swoon. Out of difference to the age of the wood I limit my one frame's to 7/8 ounce of shot at 1150 fps or less. I for the most part don't like carved stocks. Your Parker is an exception. Like Dean noted the carving is expertly done. Enjoy!

Kindest,
Harry

Is the stock carving on both sides? If not, I would assume the gun was originally done for a lefty. I would think the carving we are looking at would be hard on a right-handed shooter

The carving is on both sides John.





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