Damascus Barrels?

[Phil Leggett]

I'm back to trying to find out more about my Parker. As you guys suggested, I took it to my local gun store where they're supposed to be the experts in my city. The owner of the shop showed me a book with some interesting estimates but then began to suggest that I have damascus barrels, thus making it practically worthless. I thought I had done enough research to determine they were not damascus. So, here I am again needing information. On top of my barrels it says "Twist." After comparing the serial numbers to your chart, I discovered it was made in 1891. It has a 0 frame (16 gauge), and has a P (meaning grade 1, right?). It does not have ejectors and the wood is in terrible condition with a piece of wood missing near the trigger. I am getting some quality pictures for you but am most interested (right now) about the barrels. Help!!!...please.

[Harry Collins]

Phil,

Twist barrels are similar to Damascus in that steel and iron wire were twisted together, wrapped around a mandril and forged together with hammers. Your local expert was close when he said the barrels were Damascus. Your gun is not worthless because the barrels are Twist. It was not that long ago that no one would shoot Twist or Damascus barreled guns because everyone thought they were dangerous and would blow up. There are still those among us that will not fire one of these guns. There are many among us and this includes some gunsmiths and gun dealers that have not read Sherman Bells "Finding Out for Myself" articals in the Double Gun Journal and still believe that composit barrels are dangerous or do not want the liability of saying they are safe to shoot. If not messed with too much a 16 gauge PH Parker with Twist barrels can be worth several thousand dollars. I purchased a 12 gauge PH with Twist barrels that had been cut and also had a pinned stock for $300.00.

Harry

[Phil Leggett]

Thanks you for the insight. I live In Yuma Arizona (2 1/2 hours southwest of Phoenix). Could someone in the PGCA recommend a "local" person to contact and ultimately show the gun to?

Oh, and you're the second member to refer to my gun as a PH. Could you elaborate on determining that grade? Are all grade 1 guns PH or (if equiped with ejectors) PHE?

[Bruce Day]

William Larkin Moore, Scottsdale, is a dealer who knows his guns.

[Phil Leggett]

Never mind about the PH. I finally read your grading process page again. It's about being hammerless.

[Phil Leggett]

Might you have a phone number?

[Dean Romig]

As with any old sxs shotgun, whether composite or fluid steel barreled, they are not something to be afraid of but respected for what they are and should be thoroughly examined by an expert - not someone who suggests it is "worthless" because he is not 'up to date' on composite barrels.

[Harry Collins]

Phil,

My # 859-229-1428

Harry

[Phil Leggett]

Thank you again, Harry, for your information. I contacted them and got the answers I was looking for. I must say, out of all the topic-specific web sites & forums I've ever visited, you guys are the most helpful and informative. A nice change from the "norm" that we have to deal with on a daily basis.

[Dollar Grade]

Phil,
PH 16ga guns with twist bbls make nice little shooters. There were about half as many PH 16 twist guns as GH 16 damascus guns built. Making them a little harder to find than a GH16. It is especially hard to find one of your guns age in nice condition. They were usually used hard. I had one from the ealy 1890's vintage and it was pretty worn. I now have one built much later, 1917, that is in much better condition. The little twist bbls are very attractive and some like them more than damascus.

I attached a few pics to show you what the bbls, checking and such should look like. The barrels and checking have not been touched, the wood needed a little shellac and oil to seal it up. This gun wasn't used much, it snaps closed like it did new and still has the milling marks on the barrel breech face. Too bad somone scrubbed off most of the case colors.

Good luck getting your gun in shootable condition.

Kurt