Pappys 20

Bobby Hamner, jr · 03-11-2013, 05:46 PM

In a previous thread I have detailed the history of this Parker, as I know it. I have concerns with its condition and would like to know if bringing it back to like original is the proper course of action. I would leave the wood as is, considering this attributes to my families use of the gun and lends to its history.
Looking at the frame in these pictures, is it possible that the bluing preserved the original case colors

Kensal Rise · 03-11-2013, 06:02 PM

This is a very nice gun that should NOT be messed with ("restored"). It's hard to tell from the photos, but if the frame and action have been blued, I'd have that cleared off carefully by a pro, leaving a muted "silvered" surface... and leave the rest of the gun alone.

If the frame is original case, leave that alone! These old guns look far better as old guns.

Bobby Hamner, jr · 03-11-2013, 07:11 PM

Thank you John. The frame has been blued at some point. The photos though, give me a new perspective, almost like being able to see past the bluing to what may be case colors. I agree with you in "old guns look far better as old guns", my concerns are in preservation.

Double Lab · 03-11-2013, 07:17 PM

I could'nt agree more John, the gun is beautiful as is and shows wonderful patina. The bluing can be removed.

B. Dudley · 03-12-2013, 07:40 AM

When the frame was blued, it would have been polished in preparation for the blue. This removing all the case colors. The frame will still be hardened so do not think that it needs to be re colored from a standpoint of function.

The bluing can be chemically removed without too much problem using a couple different methods. The result, as previously stated, will be a dull grayish finish since the metal surface is being etched somewhat. Most will see this gray surface more attractive than the bluing. And the bluing job on that frame is not very good or at least it has no held up well.

In order to properly strip the bluing, the frame would need to be completely taken apart.

As for a restoration of the case colors. It should not be considered unless the WHOLE gun is being restored. Or else it will look out of place.

Kensal Rise · 03-12-2013, 09:55 AM

Bobby:
I do not mean to be contrary in any way, but the colour on the frame of your gun can be nicely removed without immersion in any substance, or with any chemical etching effect. The proper method will also retain highlights of the gun's engraving. PM me if you would like more detail.
From your photos, it does not appear that any deleterious polishing was done.
Again, I'm only trying to save a very nice old Parker here...

B. Dudley · 03-12-2013, 09:59 AM

Given the look of the frame on spots, it looks like the finish is chipping off. Maybe this gun was coated with something and not blued.

Bobby Hamner, jr · 03-13-2013, 09:56 AM

John, I agree with your non etching point of view and preservation of the gun is very important to me. This, somehow without taking from my grandfatheres history of the gun. This is why I am somewhat torn between leaving it as is, just maintaining its current condition, or reconditioning it to help in its preservation. The only issue I can find, others that ascetics is it being slightly off face.

Brian, the chipping on and around the lever is a bit confusing to me as well. The last time my grandfather would have used this gun would have been in the late 40's to early 50's and any work he would have had done to it would have been some time before that. I'm not sure if this time line helps in identifying any processes that may have been used.

Bobby.

Richard Flanders · 03-13-2013, 10:56 AM

That's a relatively valuable and nice little Parker. I think I'd be tempted to send the receiver off to Brad Bachelder in Michigan, along with the pictures of the rest of the gun, and instruct him to do what he could to make it look 'right' without recasing it.

Kensal Rise · 03-13-2013, 11:07 AM

Certain bluing processes were akin to a "coating". And the "blue" peels away over time. Old Winchesters are noted for this. This may be the case with your gun. The good news is that they didn't buff the gun much before bluing. A pro can make it "old and right" with modest effort. And Bachelder would be a good choice.