Q2 1882 12ga Lifter Pls Advise

[jerry serie]

Several years ago I rescued this old Parker Lifter from an antique shop in rough condition. I had intended it to be a wall hanger. But, since rejoining PGCA I'm beginning to wonder whether it may have greater utility. The gun is consistent with the research letter I received with Damascus barrels, 30 inches, and on a size 1 frame. The wood is sound but dark with heavy varnish. The barrels are off-frame and are pitted with dents (see attached photos). I'm not looking to restore but wonder if could be professionally cleaned up, put back on face, and wall thickness measured to maybe shoot again. My question is whether it is a worthwhile candidate? I've never seen a Q2 with this same engraving pattern before. Is this typical of Q2's? I realize 1882 was quite a transitional period for Parkers.

Any information, advise, or recommendations would be appreciated.

Jerry

[Rick Losey]

just my opinion - go ahead and have it evaluated by a pro -

the obvious questions along with wall thickness is how bad is the pitting, and can the dents be raised, good solid wood on one of these old pieces is a plus

I think any of these old guns that can be saved - should be saved.

[Mills Morrison]

The engraving is unique. The typical flying geese look more like snipe. Certainly worth an evaluation by a pro.

[charlie cleveland]

pretty good looking old gun to me...interesting engraving...do as the boys stated get opinion of a well versed parker or side by side man and fix or shoot as is if deemed safe...looks like a shooter to me a keeper for sure....

[jerry serie]

Thanks everyone for your input and recommendations! I'm not sure who would be the best person to send it to for an evaluation and cleaning. I've heard Brad Bachelder is good and Kirk Merrington is as well. But, are they knowledgeable of early Parker grades and differences? Are there others to consider e.g. Del Grego & Son.

I have included a couple of additional photos of sn 23089. Bottom of receiver showing more scroll engraving and vignette circle. Also, barrel lugs showing DD marking, which I assume refer to Damascus or do the double D's have different meaning from a single D?

Thanks Again .....Jerry

[Dean Romig]

On later Parkers the DD stamp is thought to be an indicator of "finest Damascus", whereas a single D is for "fine Damascus", and the DD stamp is generally only seen on Grade 5 and above guns. A clearer picture of the barrel flats might make it easier to examine the markings on your Parker. One that I have not seen before is the stylized "9" just above John Stokes' stamp J.S.

Also, if the Damascus pattern is more distinct in the more protected area beneath the forend, please post a picture of that as well.

[jerry serie]

Thanks Dean for all the new information. This is most helpful. I have attached a few more photos per your request. The Damascus pattern is very fine and difficult to photograph with the camera I have. The barrel flats do not have any more than you can see here. Do you think this gun is a good candidate to be cleaned up by a professional? Thanks ......Jerry

[edgarspencer]

Seems like a lot more engraving on the bottom of the receiver than other grade 2 guns I've seen. Worthy of making it right, in my book anyway. I've been known to stand on the edge of deep holes and shake out my wallet, but your gun is pretty nice.

[David Hamilton]

A 1 frame Damascus barreled gun will require a good gun smith to evaluate before firing it. BUT my experience is that those old damascus barrels are tough and dents can be raised and pits made better. Pits don't intertfere with shooting but do require more cleaning, or as Bill Murphey says, " Just shoot it until the pits go away" or something like that. A fine old gun like that should be brought back if possible. I hope it can be! David

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Jerry. I am at a loss as to the DD stamp. Those barrels are not what is considered "finest Damascus" which I believe is known as '6-iron crolle'. Your barrels are fine Damascus and are most likely 3 or possibly 4-iron crolle. Nice gun none the less. Yes, it is worthy of being "cleaned up by a professional" but I would advise against a complete restoration. It looks like it could be tightened up as well as being cleaned up.

[Bill Murphy]

You should start by getting the barrels measured, both bores and wall thickness. Mr. Del Grego does not normally work on Damascus barrel guns. For a barrel examination and possible cleaning up of the pits, I would recommend Keith Kearcher in Oregon for the best bang for the buck. Maybe send the whole gun to him.

[jerry serie]

Again Thanks to everyone for all your help and encouragement. I'm definitely going to send it off for tightening, cleaning, and barrel evaluation.

Bill, thanks for your suggestion on Keith Kearcher. I'm assuming he is quite up on Parker's. I intend to send the entire gun to clean and put back on face. The wood needs to have some of the old dark varnish removed too.

Dean, thanks for your input on the Damascus barrels. What do you make of the John Stokes and stylized 9 on the barrel lugs. Didn't he mostly contribute to the rebounding locks and so why would his stamp appear on the barrels? Also, with some cleaning will the engraving be more clear and pronounced? I like the old patina appearance but would like to highlight the engraving some. The left side engraving looks to be sharptails and the right side looks to me like cranes with long necks and bills. Your thoughts?

Jerry