Something To Play With
 

A Parker hammer gun is going up for sale shortly and I was thinking about trying to purchase it. Now, I am not a collector but this gun, when compared to the grade pictures on the home page appears to be of a higher grade and the engraving looks pretty sharp. I have a few poor photos and am hoping some of you might weigh in with your thoughts. Worth pursuing? What grade might it be? And the big one - how much should a neophyte invest in such a piece?

Your expertise and comment is appreciated.

Gary
Nice find and a very nice underlever. That looks like an $250 or A grade gun in pretty decent condition. The stock does not bother me that much as the receiver is in good shape. The underlevers are less popular than the top levers but I personally prefer them. I hope the bore is in as good condition as the receiver?. Value??? If all original and the bore is unpitted- $5-8,000 JMHO
David

Well, it looks like an A grade. It might be a good project gun. How are the barrels? What length are they? Any dents? How are the bores? The barrels look to be off face and the stock is in tough shape but those can be fixed. If all the wood is under the stock, it might be able to be fixed but if there are missing chunks it would need restocked (read more expensive).

It will not be cheap to fix it up but it would be a nice gun when done. Assuming the bores are in good shape its fixable.

as stated above- the barrel's condition is critical, especially the bores

the wood may well need to be replaced- I'll assume the brass was not added for decoration, and there is serious damage under there. Although there are folks that can do wonders with broken stocks, so add that cost to the project,

but fixed up- wow- what a gun that will be

good find and it looks good even with the brass patch...the worth is how much you would be willing to spend...charlie

Thanks for confirming it is a high grade Parker lifter. I have not been able to look at the gun but will be able to in a few weeks. I know from posts on this forum that there certainly are some stock magicians out there but will have to look closer. I am hoping that the barrels are as good as the action but only close inspection will tell. I thought it might be an A grade but was not sure. You guys have given me enough to pursue it a bit further. How much help would knowing the serial number on a gun this old? Do we have records that far back?

Is there an asking price on the gun?

The serial number would be a big help for you

If it is in the book or records available you would know what the barrels should measure

Brian, no asking price as it will be auctioned. Just trying to be as informed as possible prior to attending the auction.

Gary, A wonderful gun that is in need of some serious work. I would be very concerned with it as the frame is cracked at the point where the water table meets the breech face. As seen in the second and last photo.