Belgium Replacement Barrels

[David Lyman]

Can anyone help with the history of the replacement barrels on my DH 12ga - 30"? From what I have been told, the original Damascus barrels were replaced with modern steel to handle today's loads. Of course, I would love to have the original Damascus barrels and it's been a pet project trying to hunt them down. The serial number is 89665. I keep dreaming the barrels are sitting in the corner of someone's basement.

Anyway, what bugs me about my current situation is the lack of markings on the topside of the replacement barrels. The typical area for the stamping / engraving is bare! Who would do this??? There are some markings on the bottom side that gives clues so maybe someone has come across this before.

Please see pictures for reference. Thanks!

[Dean Romig]

I've seen a few (three or four) Parkers with those barrels. One was a CH 12 and another was a CH 20. The CH 20 originally had 30" Damascus barrels and the CH 12 originally had Bernard barrels.





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[Researcher]

Those barrels at least have a nice panel on the rib to try and fake up a Parker Bros. barrel legend. I don't see any proof marks on those barrels. I presume the stars are choke markings.

A hunting buddy in my college years had an 1899 vintage straight gripped, skeleton butt plate, DH-Grade which had been retrofitted with steel barrels with Italian proof marks. One of the most common sources for steel barrels for Parker Bros., Winchester Model 21s, and L.C. Smith guns back in the 1960s was Atlas Arms --

Atlas Arms Parker Barrels.jpg

[High Brass]

You could have an engraver mark the top rib any way you like. And it wouldn't cost very much money.

[B. Dudley]

In my experience, these type of aftermarket barrels that i have encountered for Parkers have been of good quality. Overall fit was always good and function great as well.
The only complaint being that they can be told from a mike away that they are not original. But it just is what it is.

[Jay B.]

I have a DH, circa 1892, that also has replacement barrels. A gunsmith looked up the proof marks and told me they were Belgium made. They fit great and shoot well. I too wish I had the original Damascus tubes.