parker 12ga grade 2 mademay-oct 8, 18888or89 internal firing mech

[russellstricker]

i am helping a widow get the value of a gun that was her husbands great grandfathers gun the inside of the frame says May-Oct 8 1888 or 1889 below that is 2 serial#82247 then a G below that. the serial number is on the barrel latch as well, there is a 1 with 1 with a 2 under on the tab that fits into the stock/firing mech, there is a D with a C to the top right and then a 15 below right in between the low d mark and the higher c mark patd april 12, 1876 on the metal part that connects to the stock/ trigger group where the stamp that looks like May-Oct 8 1888 or 1889 is. I can't figure out how to attach the pictures I took of the gun on here as the paperclip isn't doing anything for me. if someone could help with getting the pictures on here and/or the value as it is in very good condition.

[edgarspencer]

Punctuation is your friend.

[John Knobelsdorf II]

This works for me. And check your work using the Preview Post button below your message.

[Harold Pickens]

Sounds like you have a Grade 2, or G grade Parker on a 1 1/2 frame. The length of the barrels will be an important factor--how long are they? With that serial#, the barrels may be damascus--on the top rib of the gun it will tell you what kind of barrel steel was used. Does it have ejectors? The overall condition and originality of the gun is important in its value, so good pictures of the gun are important in evaluating it.

[Steiner]

The Serialization book indicates a "D2" grade hammerless 12 gauge with no extras, capped pistol grip and 30 inch barrels. 1894 (+-) manufacture.

[russellstricker]

Thanks for the input/directions, I believe I was able to upload the pics of gun and the markings. The barrel is 26in long and per the stamp on the top of the rib of the barrel it is Damascus steel that was used, and I believe it has ejectors as there is a metal piece that fits the metal part of the 12ga shells that pops out when you open the rifle. The rifle is in really good condition given it was made before 1890 as the stamp is 86 or 88 as my eyes aren’t what they used to be. But, I did take pics of all the markings I found on the gun. I hope this helps as I need to get an estimated value for the gun so I can list on a local gun forum in Georgia or I might list it on one that covers the US. I really appreciate everyone’s help in trying to nail down the value.

[russellstricker]

Here are some more pics

[Harold Pickens]

Your gun has extractors, not ejectors--no problem I prefer extractors, but ejectors increase value. If the barrels were originally 30" as per the book, and are now 26", the value is severely compromized/reduced. Long barrels are commanding higher prices now. Originality is a huge factor in value. It may be a great shooter with cut barrels, but will not garner any attention as a collector. People are not inclined to throw values/prices out here .

[B. Dudley]

The buttstock is not original. It is a poorly crafted replacement. And the barrels are cut. The gun has little value overall.

[Chris Pope]

Which, in my opinion, means that while it may have very little monetary value as a collectors item it still has tremendous value as a family heirloom. I am incredibly fortunate to have my great grandfathers deer rifle and I cherish and it will be passed down when I check out (and likely sooner). So the moral of the story is, please please encourage the widow to find a family member who might appreciate it and gift it to him or her.