CHE found

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

My gunsmith is Brad Bachelder who will refinish to whatever look one desires.

I have a favorite #2 frame EH 10 gauge that I take in duck boats. That is a harsh environment for any gun. The EH had a bolt through the head of the head of the stock that I had Jerry Andrews remove and hide the work. Brad re-case hardened the gun and restored the barrels so that the gun looks far-from-new. The case colors and barrels are softer than the total restorations he has done for me.

Making Damascus barrels "pop" with high contrasting black and white requires more work than does an antique look. The important thing to remember is that the gunsmith needs to understand what you want since refinishing Damascus is somewhat subjective. Make certain that what you want is written on the work order. Provide a photo of the desired product if available.

Another point that I learned about restorations is that Parkers’ case colors varied by production period (of years). If you really like case colors of a Parker made in 1911 and provide the gunsmith a Parker from 1890 and ask for authentic colors, the result probably won't match those of the 1911 gun. If however you want colors to match the 1911 gun, ask the smith if he can do so. Some gunsmiths have discovered or developed specific formulas and processes for the different periods of case colors and refinishing Damascus, twist, and laminate barrels.

Talk to the gunsmith and ask him if he can reproduce the finish that you want. Provide a photo if possible.

Mark

[StubTwist]

I believe the red Silver's pad wasn't available until 1905. Since your gun was restocked and a pad added in 1915, according to your post, the red one would be fine.

There was discussion on this once before so you can search the archives to make sure my dates are accurate.-- but I think I am close.

Plus I think the red one looks nicer.

[MarketHunter]

I agree with Stub, the red is the way to go. The orange ones, till they age up a bit, look just awful.

DLH

[Ray Masciarella]

Did some brief research on original owner, Hugh Mallet of Bradford, IL. His was born in 1875 in Stark Cty. Became a talented harness maker and eventually became a partner in the Jim Dandy Collar Co, which was very successful through the 1920s. Didn't find anything about his trapshooting career but Bill Murphy says he shoot a few. Having ordered a CHE with 32" damascus barrels, straight stock, ivory sights, Silver's pad, he knew what he wanted and had some resources. What is interesting to me is the damascus barrels ordered (1912) at a time when steel barrels had become the rage.

Happy New Year to all.

Ray

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Ray Masciarella

What is interesting to me is the damascus barrels ordered (1912) at a time when steel barrels had become the rage.

Not to hi-jack the thread but today I was fortunate enough to handle a 1928 VH that letters with Damascus barrels. A really sweet Parker.

[Bill Zachow]

Could you tell me the serial on the Damascus VH?

[Ray Masciarella]

Dean, why do you think some buyers still wanted damascus barrels well after steel became the standard?

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Ray Masciarella

Dean, why do you think some buyers still wanted damascus barrels well after steel became the standard?

Seriously, because fluid steel barrels are rather drab compared to the beautiful pattern of Damascus or even Twist tubes, especially when they were new.

In the early 20th century if one had a choice between fluid and damascus on a Parker, for pure asthetics you would have to have been a fool to buy fluid steel.

[Dean Romig]

Bill, it is 227XXX. I only put the X's there because I don't recall those last three digits.

It letters as having gone back to Meriden to be fitted with the Damascus barrels from a G-grade number of 150XXX or something like that.

Ray, I'm sure a great many shooters 'of the day' were quite comfortable with Damascus barrels and appreciated the intricate pattern of those composite tubes.

Edited 9:06 PM

[John D.]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Bill, it is 227XXX. I only put the X's there because I don't recall those last three digits....

I believe if you open Parker Pages to "Parker's Found", you will find the serial number. It is a wonderful late DAM Parker and the current owner has every right to be justly proud of it.

What a wonderful Parker, as Dean notes...

John