new owner

[Nathan Robinson]

I am new to the Parker World, All I know about the guns hsitory is that it has been in the family scine shortly after the Civil War. I think the serial number is either 1867 or 3867 (it is hard to read), the pat. date is Nov 18th or 16th 1867 and then there is anouther date of 1867. It is a hammered under lifter with Damascas barrels. When I open the barrels I can see one mark on the side of the tang "E9R". Can anyone give any info of this gun? What and where should I be looking to figure out when this gun was made and how much I should insure it for?

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Nathan,

Hi and welcome to the PGCA Forum. I cannot give you any answers about the specifics on your Parker but before too long another member will. What you will need for anyone to assess your Parker's potential value (which is always market dependent) will be clear photos of gun. Look in the "All Albums" section (click on it in the navigation bar) for the types of photos that you should provide.

Best of luck,
Mark

[George Lander]

Hello Nathan & Welcome: If your SN is 1867 it's one of the first 20 in "The Book" which describes it as a DS Grade 12 gauge hammer underlifter, no extras w/ 30 inch barrels and a pistol grip stock. If the SN is 3867 "The Book" describes it as a D Grade 12 gauge hammer underlifter, no extras w/ 30 inch barrels. The primary difference would be the top rib description of the barrels. 1867 should read "DECARBONIZED STEEL" while 3867 should read "DAMASCUS STEEL". 1867 would have been made in or before 1874 while 3867 would have been made in 1875.

I hope that this helps, Best Regards, George

[Hammer Gun]

Nathan, Your gun should be a D quality code 12g a 30" brls, Does the gun have sculpturd bolsters? The grade of these early guns are sometimes hard to determine. The book says early guns with "D" quality code have damascus barrels, but the quality or grade is indeterminate, majority of these guns have serial numbers below 6000. Show some photo's Gary

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Pictures are the best way to help us help you.
We are also voyeurs and love to gaze at guns.
Sounds like a special gun.

[Nathan Robinson]

The rib on the barrel does say Damascus. I'll work on getting some pictures posted. The gun needs to be cleaned up, but that is something I am going to let a professional do. Even if it isn't worth a lot of money it sentimental value is priceless. I would love to be able to hunt with this gun someday!