Old Parker?

Alan Birchell · 07-12-2010, 10:42 PM

I have an old Parker 12 gauge ( I believe) that was given to me about thirty years ago. I a m trying to figure out how old it is. I have read that any Parker gun after about the first one thousand would have the serial number on the trigger gaurd tang (this one does not have it in this location. I am looking at the water table and lugs as I type this and there is nothing except scroll work on the lugs and the letter D on the water table. I assume the D is the grade? The letters AL are stamped on both barrels in front of the water table there is also the number 183 stamped on one of the barrels. A large letter I is stamped on the flat space between the barrels. I am wondering if anyone can help me with this information.

ch · 07-12-2010, 10:56 PM

don't know much but, it should have a # under the forend. does it say parker bros on the side? maybe one of thoes other parkers that's not from conn. Anywhay I bet its a cool old gun. ch

Alan Birchell · 07-12-2010, 11:03 PM

Calvin it does say Parker on the hammerplate. The number 183 is actually located under the forestock. One other thing I noticed is that the buttplate has what appears to be a quail on it and not a dog like most that I have seen. The gun is in rough shape but I would love to know a little more about it. Thanks for your input.

ch · 07-12-2010, 11:16 PM

hummmm well that's the end of my help it would be speculation for here on out good evening ch

Rod N. Gunn · 07-13-2010, 01:34 AM

Welcome Alan - If you can post a few photos: side plates, water table, barrel flats, top rib, etc there are many experts here that will help you evaluate your gun. Without them it is tough to opine on what you might have.

Alan Birchell · 07-13-2010, 10:14 AM

Thank You Dave. I will post those asap.

Alan Birchell · 07-13-2010, 02:41 PM

Dave I hope these are good enough to help.Parker Gun 001.jpg

Parker Gun 002.jpg

Parker Gun 010.jpg

Parker Gun 006.jpg

Parker Gun 014.jpg

Dean Romig · 07-13-2010, 05:26 PM

Alan, compliments on your photographic skills - a very nice job.

Unfortunately that is not a Parker Bros. gun that we are all about. I don't have the expertise to comment on where it may have been made other than to say it is European.

Alan Birchell · 07-13-2010, 05:38 PM

Thank You Dean for the information. I am still interested in information anyone could give me concerning the gun and its origin. I also understand this may not be the forum to find that information but would appreciate any additional input. Thanks All

Brush Buster · 07-13-2010, 05:51 PM

Alan ,It is a shame it is not a " Parker Brothers " gun ,but I must say , I really like the butt plate ! A friend of mine showed up at my place last evening with a Forehand Double barrel ,that had a really nice Butt finish with a Wooded scene with a big Squirrel sitting on a limb , very nice . Russ