1883 parker hammer 12 ga

[bodie johnson]

Hello, I was going through my vault yesterday and this Parker was tucked in the back. I traded for it about 16 years ago and always wanted to restore it. I do not have barrels for it, and at this point am wondering if I can find a set of barrels for it or if I should sell it to someone who is in need of what I have.
I have spent some time on the internet trying to see one with the similar dog and bird scenes that are on the sides, but have been unable to locate one. It is fully engraved on every piece of metal except for the triggers, and has some very nice wood in the stock. The left side has two dogs and a pheasant, the right side has two dogs, the bottom of the receiver has a dog, and just in front of the trigger guard there is a pheasant. The metal plate at the butt is also engraved, and the screw heads are also engraved. The forend iron is also engraved, but has no dogs or birds.
There is some remaining gold plating on the lower tang in front of the trigger guard, and a little left around the edges of the "sideplates". The serial number is 36494 and directly above it is the number 4.
Any kind of information and advise you could offer me on this gun would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Its weird that you have the forend but not the barrels. usually they both get lost together.
I dont have my book with me but someone can tell you what it says.

[bodie johnson]

When I traded for the gun the previous owner said the barrels had been damaged and would have to be cut to less than 18" to be functional. I am not sure what ever happened to the original barrels, but he did have the forend.

[charlie cleveland]

thats a good piece to fix or to sell..you should not have to much trouble finding a set of barrels to use...guns well worth fixing and then its a good piece to sell...become a paid member to this site and you can list it on the 4 sale section..cost you 40.00 dollars and you get the best little magazine youve ever read and a bunch of other good things..and all the parker boys are square shooters they will not lead you wrong..very interesrting piece you have there.... charlie

[Jim DiSpagno]

Serial number is not in the book and you would need to measure the distance between the center of the firing pin holes to determine the frame size. You can email me at bjamison102@verizon.net. I may have barrels to fit it. Jim

[Pa SxS]

It's a Quality C and originally had a set of 30" Bernard barrels

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Originally Posted by Chuck Bishop

It's a Quality C and originally had a set of 30" Bernard barrels

Wow that's a neat gun.

[edgarspencer]

Look through the threads to read the story Bill Murphy put together on the long search for the original Bernard barrels for a gun he had. That length of time would have exceeded my patience level, but it's proof that guns such as yours can eventually be made right. A C grade hammer gun is a rarity and well worth the time and effort of waiting. A grade 2 gun with a good set of barrels, used as a donor, would be one way of getting it back together. The receiver and butt stock look like it's in quite nice condition. You were wise to get it, and hang on to it.

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Good question Sir Jent.

[bodie johnson]

Thanks to everyone who gave me information and advice on this gun. I ended up selling it to a PGCA member who is excited about having it for a restoration project.

Bodie Johnson