Inherited Parker info

[Alex Lambert]

I'm looking for information on a gun that belonged to my grandfather, to whom it was passed down from his grandfather. I dont know much about this gun and just want some more info on it. I've tried to id it using the the Parker identification section of this site.

Serial: 78341 (1893)
Frame Size: 1
Barrel Weight: 4¹
Grade: C (I think)
Steel: Bernard




Thanks.




http://i.imgur.com/53itttN.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tIIOMsR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/MB0xiSa.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Cu2XVUL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YsUYRYv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/y9YWW2N.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/i7YvVM4.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ybO3i5y.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WWBZS85.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nYwiK93.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tDNlogf.jpg

[Eldon Goddard]

It is definitely a ch with Bernard steel. Do you know what gauge it is? What is the length of barrels?

[Alex Lambert]

I'm not sure how to tell the gauge. I can measure the barrel tomorrow to check the length. The gun seems in fairly decent condition except for the missing plate off the stock. I'm not interested in selling the gun but it would be nice to know the value and any additional info on this gun.

I know these forums are for Parker but there was also left an early model browning automatic rifle, not sure how to go about finding info on that gun. It seems a bit more difficult to disassemble than the Parker and I don't want to risk damaging it. It was manufactured by fabrique nationale(possibly ww2 era German?) under the browning patent and I think the serial number is 4 digits.

Thanks.

[Eldon Goddard]

You should post this in another place not many people will see this in the single barrel trap forum.

[Alex Lambert]

Yeah, didn't make much sense to post in this section, especially since it's a double barrel. I'm not sure where it should go. Can a moderator move this thread?

[Brian Dudley]

Is there any other part of the makers mark on the top rib? I see that the makers mark is hand engraved, which was not usually the case on Bernard barrels. Unless there was a custom inscription on it.
Great gun! Bernard C grades are beautiful. Yours looks like it has been well used, but it is all there and I am sure very operable.
Sometimes the gauge size was stamped on the locking lug. But yours is not. Do you have a set of dial calipers to measure the muzzle or chamber ID?

[Craig Larter]

The Serialization book says 12ga 28" bbls

[Rick Losey]

how are the bores- is there much pitting? and could you post some close ups of the stock? with the fit of the skeleton buttplate, I wonder if the stock is a replacement.

great piece of family history, if you give us a general idea of your location someone may be able to point you to someone to evaluate the condition and value.

[Alex Lambert]

I can confirm the barrel is 28", the barrel appears to be smooth bore and I didn't see any pitting. I am in the St. Louis area if anyone has suggestions on where I could have the gun evaluated.

Here's some picture of the stock. There is a picture in the first post that shows the serial numbers matching from the water table and the piece that holds the barrel on.

http://i.imgur.com/R4XNtU2.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/BA0MkFZ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/OUIYJtL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yHvpf0G.jpg


This piece has been worn smooth, not sure what would have been on it.

http://i.imgur.com/pfTHqxu.jpg

[Rick Losey]

This piece has been worn smooth, not sure what would have been on it.


from what is left, i would guess a stag, take a look at the "whats on your plate" thread for examples

I would expect to see "spear" points on the back of the side panels on an original CH stock

[greg conomos]

It's interesting, to some, in that it is a C grade with Bernard barrels. But it is pretty rough and the stock looks to have been replaced. I'd be interested to know what shape the bores are in.

[Mills Morrison]

I definitely see a stag on the floorplate. I really like the engraving on it. A great example of C-grade engraving

[Mills Morrison]

My guess is it saw hard usage in the duck marsh.

[allen newell]

Probably stored in a closet or under a bed with no protection from change of season temps and humidity.

[Mills Morrison]

Notice how the checkering is worn down. That indicates to me it got a lot of use. It could have been the victim of other disasters as well, though

[Mills Morrison]

It looks like it has potential, particularly if the bores are clean

[Brian Dudley]

Yes, that buttstock is a replacement and looks like it may not be a Parker original replacement. The forend is original.
Overall it is a good candidate for restoration providing the bores are good. The engraving is not too badly worn. A few screws messed up. And it is complete... save the stock. But its all there and workable. And a 1 frame too.

[ed good]

a rare c grade for the collector on a budget?

[Dave Suponski]

This gun has alot of potential. The rib engraving looks correct to me. Most Bernard guns I have examined have hand engraved rib legends.

[Brian Dudley]

It must depend on the era or something. Because some were roll stamped.

I agree that this gun is a great candidate for some restoration work.

[Alex Lambert]

Any suggestions on where I could have it restored? I'm in the St. Louis, MO area. Thanks.

[greg conomos]

It's a great gun to restore if you:

A) are a gunsmith/stockmaker and can do your own work for free

or

B) don't mind spending a lot of money on a gun that you will keep but have no particular plans on recouping your money

Still...I think a lot depends on the bore condition.

[Rick Losey]

Any suggestions on where I could have it restored? I'm in the St. Louis, MO area. Thanks.

Alex - it will be expensive to completely restore, if its worth it is a decision only you can make, it would be a labor of love, not likely to be an investment.

this is one of the restoration experts often recommended here is Brad Bachelder - expensive but good at it
http://mastergunmakers.com/

another option is to get the wood right with a cleaned up buttplate
speak to Brian Dudley about getting that done.

I would have the barrels checked out first- if they are pitted beyond use, have loose ribs or damaged in some way, any other restoration will not make sense. There are a few guys this board recommends for getting the color right on the barrels - Brad Bachelder (link above) is one and Dale Edmunds, Kansas City, 816 444 2040 is another whose great work shows up here often -

a search here on any of the names above will show you example of the work they do

if you get the wood and barrels done, you will need to decide if you want to spend the money to have the engraving recut and the case coloring redone.