[Elvin Ehrhardt]

Guys hopping for some guidance here. I’m a new member and I’m preparing to start working on refurbishing my old Parker that I recently acquired. It’s a grade 3 DH manufactured in 1893 and yes it has Damascus barrels. The action locks up tight and there’s no play anywhere when assembled. The engraving is still clearly distinct but a little worn, it has 28 in barrels shiny clean bores and choked .713 Right and .716 Left. Small dent about 6” up from forend on right barrel (barely visible). The barrels both bell ring when hung and tapped, so the wielding of barrels and rib seem solid. There is a darkening of the stock where is meets the receiver and the splinter forend from excess oil bleeding into the wood. The gentleman I purchased the Parker from told me it was his great grandfather’s and had been handed down over the years and well taken care of, but he didn’t want to own a gun. I have refurbished several old Winchester’s successfully in the past, but this is my first Parker. I’m pretty good on dealing with the things that are going need done and I know a gentleman up at Wyoming Armory in Cody Wyoming that does very fine work at Color Case Hardening, but I’m a little hesitant to deal with all the chemical processes involved in doing Damascus. I’ve been looking around and have yet to find anyone that does traditional restoration of Damascus. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.