First time parker owner

[Garret Brain]

Hey all,

I would first like to say that I think the site is great, very informative. Since I made my first payment on my Parker in November I have been reading the information on the site and in the forum. I have since brought the gun home and taken it to a gunsmith. Well, anyways I am looking for information on a gun with the serial number 159001, which would have been around 1912. The gun is a DHE grade, 12 gauge with titanic steel barrels that are 28 inches in length, the chokes IC/Mod. The stock seems original (whoever had the gun used it and oiled it alot) it has a capped pistol grip with the original skeleton butt plate. It's also a 1 1/2 frame gun. From the looks of it the gun it was definitely used in the field, but it still locks up like a dream, when I close the action it sounds like a safe door closing. These guns are truely things of beauty and quality craftsmanship. It's amazing that this gun has existed for so long and does not seem to have been tampered with (no cut barrels or stock, hack job refinishing the stock). The barrels are worn and the bores are clean. Only a small dent exists on the exterior of the left barrel. The stock has two decent size gouges on the left side.

Here is a little introduction for myself, as you can see my name is Garret. I hail from Soutwestern Pennsylvania (near the border of West Virginia), I am 27 years old, a part time grad student, full time worker and with any time in between I am fishing or hunting. I love to fish and hunt (mainly birds, grouse in particular).

My main reason for posting is that I dont believe the gun is in the serialization book. So it leads me to wonder if there is any history for the gun in your records. I would be interested in acquiring a certification letter if there is record of the gun. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have attempted to post a few pictures of the gun, but the pics would not post. I will try again later, I believe I know what the problem is.

Thanks,
Garret

[Bindlestiff]

I checked the "Serial number search" function of the "Research Letter" page and it reports that there are surviving records on your gun. So, if you join the PGCA and get ask for a letter you will get something. Note that if you join the PGCA the letter is discounted and you will get a year of "Parker Pages" for you money, a great value.

At any rate, there is information on the serial number you posted.

Enjoy, they are fun.

[Bruce Day]

If you are interested, and since you mentioned it, barrel dents, stock gouges and stock oil soaking can be removed by a cautious amateur and with the exception of barrel dents, needs no special tools. Help is available on asking.


Good luck and nice to see a young man interested in Parkers.

[ch]

Hi Garret you are right my friend shoots a model 21 win. and i'v fiddled with it and it don't close like a parker. ch

[Garret Brain]

Here are the pics.

[Dean Romig]

A very nice D-Grade Garret.

[Garret Brain]

Gentlemen, thanks for your responses.

Robin, thank you for the information and it makes perfect sense to become a member. I will join the association soon.

Bruce, the thought crossed my mind about attempting the repairs with the help of someone experienced, but i've already taken the gun to a local gunsmith. Who is known for his work with antique/vintage guns and stockmaking.

Cliff, your right there is a difference. The 21 does handle nicely though.

[ch]

Yup! Nice gun

[Jeff Bonadurer]

Hi Garrett,
I too am new to the Parker Gun forums. First welcome and second, that's one beautiful Parker you have. Enjoy,
Best regards,
Jeff

[Garret Brain]

Thanks Jeff!