New Project

[Paul P.]

Much to the shagrin of my wife, I purchased another Parker yesterday. Im looking for some info.
The weapon i'm working on is a 12 ga. #1 on a size 2 frame hammer gun. There is no indication on the barrels of what type of steel was used. All of the Parkers I have seen have all had something on them, like twist,vulcan or trojan. This gun just says Parker Bros. Makers Meriden Conn.
I will be gratefull for any info.

[Bill Murphy]

Are there any marks on the barrel flats indicating steel type? What is the serial number? As always, pictures would help.

[Paul P.]

There is a Lc next to the pivot lug just above the 4 3 weight stamp. There is a + on the other side of the flat. 02 on the lock tang with a 9 with a js under it also on the lock tang.
Serial # 32692 I'm giong to try to get photos up.

[Paul P.]

Here are the pics

[Twice Shooter]

Hi Paul, I also have a barrel, #28934, 12 gauge, without type of steel markings. It's from a number 1 frame underlever and has been shortened. It makes me wonder if it could have been a Wells Fargo gun but there is nothing to indicate it was. On the left flat is a 29 and a +. On the right flat is an L and E, barrel weight 3-10, and what I think could be an order number. Also initials JS next to the frame size. Good luck with your research. Tom

[Paul P.]

This gun has 32" from muzzle to chamber end therefore I presume it is considered a 32"
it doesn't appear to have been cut down.
The idea of yours being a Wells Fargo gun stirrs up lots of cool thoughts, if only the guns could talk !!!

[Paul P.]

Any ideas on where to get the hammers for this gun ???

[Twice Shooter]

Pau, I heard sometime ago somebody was making them. I'll try to find who it is. Cheers, Tom

[Paul P.]

Thanks, Tom

[Dean Romig]

The "L" is the stamp for the type of barrel steel. In the case of 32692 it is a L1, Top action, capped pistol grip, twelve gauge with 32" barrels. L1 is the grade - Laminated Steel Grade 1. If it was a Grade 0 it would most likely have been made with Twist Steel or Plain Twist barrels. A great many early lifters in Grade 1 and possibly even Grade 0 were made with Damascus Steel barrels but later the lowest grade with Damascus Steel barrels was the Grade 2. From what I've read in The Parker Story Laminated Steel barrels were used on the Grade 1 Top Action guns. Some have been identified as Grade 0 but I believe the grade identification problem arises because of the price charged for the gun. Discounts were often given and the sale price of the gun was recorded in the book with no actual grade # identification.