Identification and Value Family Heirloom
 

My Parker Hammer gun was purchased new and has been passed down through the generations.My Texas family was mostly ranchers and farmers. This gun shows that it was used extensively to bring home dinner. The checkering is almost worn away. Mechanically it was kept in good shape. When it was bequeathed to me I sent it to Griffin & Howe for inspection and service. It was returned as safe to shoot. The bore is shin without pits. The barrel has no bulges, dents or pits. The dings on the stock are badges of hunts. Steel butt plate is intact.
Thanks for helping a newbie.
Oliver
The pictures show the key marks. Here are the specifics
Serial number: 37038/Pat Mar 16, 1875 (Before date are a symbol and LT & symbol. "O"?
Barrel length: 32 inches.
Barrel Marked: Twist[
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Attachment 64191
Attachment 64195
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“0” grade top lever on a 2 frame. Value is not a factor as family heirlooms cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Use it with proper light loads and keep her in good order then pass it down to the next in line for them to be the caretaker. If not a family gun value would be in the $750-900 range once held in hand for a visual. Double it at least for insurance purposes. Just my humble opinion.

Thank you. Any way to tell when it was made?
Oliver

Go to the PGCA Home Page, and on the left hand side click on the "Manufacturing Date by Serial Number". Looks like your gun was made in 1883

The right hammer is a replacement, and was not made by Parker Bros.





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Interesting. I noticed it didn't have the same detailing. I wonder where a replacement non-Parker hammer was located. Or was it a one-ff made by a local gunsmith?+

Those hammers were often taken from old rattle-trap parts guns. Often they were from cheap junker Belgian doubles that originally sold for $10 - $15.





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The gun was made in 1882 and should sport 12 gauge 32" barrels. Guns of that era had oversized bores for the most part. Likely in the .752 range rather than the now standard US size of .729. If you measure the muzzles for constriction add about .020 for a good approximation.
Harry

That's interesting. Do ou know why the larger bore?
Also can you reco9mmend a source for shells appropriate for this Parker?
Oliver

Oliver. Your family treasure has seen extensive use and is 136 years old. Please do not consider using the gun, with ANY load, until it has been evaluated by a double gun specialist, with particular attention to the barrels; pitting, wall thickness, etc. There are many Texas PGCA members, and one should be able to recommend a smith near you.