Parker takedown case project

[Dean Freeman]

I am thinking of building a takedown case for my Parker(s). First, a few questions...
1. Did Parker Bros. make takedown cases?
2. Are there any existing treads covering this topic?
3. Does anyone have pictures, dimensions, and other information that will help in this endeavor?
4. Are there any guys/gals out there that have taken on one of these projects that might have some pointers as to materials/parts to use.
5. Finally. While I can work wood, I would need some pointers on how to apply canvas or leather to finish the case, not to mention how to procure these materials.

Thoughts?

[Brian Dudley]

Yes, Parker offered cases. A lot of the early ones are solid wood with no outside covering.
There is a chapter in TPS that covers Parke accessories. And a good amount of good photos of original Parker cases with their guns.

Early style cases had solid wood interiors as well that were cut out in shapes that were a near dead match to the gun. Holes were drilled for holding brass shells. Usually 25 of them. Other holes and openings were cut out for loading tools and such.

[John Campbell]

If you simply relish the thought of building your own trunk case, by all means do so.

Otherwise, I'd send Galazan $275 for one of their well made canvas & leather cases, and spend the rest of my time shooting your Parker.

[Bruce Day]

I have previously posted photos, details and measurements for those interested.

[Rick Losey]

Bruce's post

http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5666&highlight=walnut+original+case

it is one of my summer projects - i've been collecting the accessories as I find them

and the walnut cases were not covered with either canvas or leather

[Bill Murphy]

By the late eighties, there were Parker trunk cases that were covered in leather. These are pictured in the 1887? and 1889? Parker catalogs which are reproduced in TPS. Most are the "shellback" variety, which included a lid in the top of the case that covered an area where shells were stored in rows.

[Rick Losey]

By the late eighties, there were Parker trunk cases that were covered in leather.

yes - the DGJ reprint of the 1882 catalog that BD pointed me to shows several styles of cases.

but for a wood worker wanting to reproduce a correct style case, I think the walnut style is a good choice

[Dean Freeman]

If you simply relish the thought of building your own trunk case, by all means do so.

Otherwise, I'd send Galazan $275 for one of their well made canvas & leather cases, and spend the rest of my time shooting your Parker.

This sounds like somthing I'd say. Though I have already bought cases for my Parkers, the idea of making my own "original" case interests me. My hope is that in making a case, I will learn more about Parker shotugns and accessories, their history, and specifically, my own Parkers; an endeavor that I'm betting all of us would find worth the effort.

[Bill Murphy]

Yup, I would choose the walnut case for reproducing rather than the leather covered case.

[Bruce Day]

We, Todd Kaltenbach, Russ Lindsay and I are out chasing birds in western Kansas .

In my opinion, if you look at some of the less costly cases, you will find they are made in India, Pakistan or wherever and the quality of the leather and other work is acceptable but not high. If a person is a craftsman and can do careful and high quality work, he can build a very nice case duplicating the original Parker cases.

So I am out with a 16ga top action 0 frame G hammer Damascus. Todd has a 12ga hammer gun and Russ has a 20ga V. Photos to follow on a separate thread.

[Dean Freeman]

Bruce's post

http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5666&highlight=walnut+original+case

it is one of my summer projects - i've been collecting the accessories as I find them

and the walnut cases were not covered with either canvas or leather

Thanks for posting this. And thanks to Bruce for some very detailed photos and a nice thread. I'd love to see more photos of cases spanning all of Parkers history. Are there any more out there? Bruce's thread also brings to mind a few questions. How to make those bequtiful leather handles? I liked the idea of the cord or thread wrapped in leather, but the strength of the handles looks like it could be improved. Also, does anyone know where one can begin a search for those parker accessories? I'm guessing they are as rare as a BHE 410, with matching prices.

[todd allen]

I have a very late Remington/Parker DHE 20 ga 2 barrel set that came in a case.

[todd allen]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/luckydogx2/P1080682.jpg
This is a two barrel gun, with original Parker case, including correspondence with the maker confirming the order, and a picture of the original owner.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/luckydogx2/P1080681.jpg

[Dean Freeman]

This is a two barrel gun, with original Parker case, including correspondence with the maker confirming the order, and a picture of the original owner.

Todd,
That is quite a nice gun, I'd almost rather see more pics it than the case. Can you give dimensions on the case and perhaps another pic or two with the gun broken down and "nesting".
Thanks again and I think I speak for everyone when I say our feelings won't be hurt if you include more close ups of that beautiful DHE 20.
Best
Dean

[todd allen]

I've got company coming over shortly, but will get to it.
I have been saving this gun for a contribution to the Parker Pages, as the back story on this gun is pretty interesting.

[Dean Freeman]

There have to be more cases out there. Come on guys, dust off those cases and take some pics. Its snowing like hell here on the east coast so I know most of you are sitting at home fondling your parkers anyway. I'd love to see as many different examples as possible. Don't forget to lay a tape down or take some measurements. And thanks in advance. Also, where's the info on Parker accessories? Did I hit on a taboo subject? I suppose they aren't making any more snap caps or brass shotshells.

[Rick Losey]

Actually - someone is making repros of the 10 gauge Parker brass shotshells

They are listed at trackofthewolf.com

As for the other accesories - they are hard to find, but do show up once and a while. But you never know where or when

[Dean Romig]

I photographed this one somewhere in Connecticut in 2010.


.

[Dean Freeman]

Wow!

[Dean Romig]

Parker Bros. offerings in the day.



.

[Rick Losey]

Which catalog is that Dean?

The 1882 still showed the walnut case as well as those leather trunks

[Dean Romig]

I didn't record the catalog date (regretfully) and just flipped through all the pages I photographed and couldn't find it... sorry

[Dean Freeman]

Dean,
Thanks for the input. This is exactly the kind of material I'm looking for. I like the look of the all wood cases, but I'm guessing that their weight is quite a bit more than other cases. Keep the info comming guys.

[Dean Romig]

They're not as heavy as you might think. The one I showed probably weighs about 2 1/2 - 3 lbs. without the gun and accessories.

[edgarspencer]

I made this one a year ago, and have another one in the works. I made the box years ago, but never got a round to finishing it.
I also pick up old ones, to refit, when I find them. The bottom one shown here is a Winchester case. The hardest part is finding correct period hardware. Leather handles, and the fittings for them are available. Kennedy lock makes great cabinet locks, but fussy to inlet. I use Billiard Table felt, not the fuzzy stuff.

[Daryl Corona]

Edgar;
Is that your computer in the last photo with the stack of cases?:shock:

[edgarspencer]

No Dipstick, That's my defibrillator. I clip one lead on my finger, and the other on my, uh. Well lets just say that alligator clip is all it takes to get me going again.

[Daryl Corona]

I'd bet that the clip is a little too big for the job at hand. BTW- It's Mr. Dipstick to you.

[edgarspencer]

BTW- It's Mr. Dipstick to you.

Sir, Yes Sir!!

Lemme tell you Daryl, After the prostate surgery, any clip is too big. That's what the magnifying goggles are for.

[Daryl Corona]

Glad to see you've maintained that sharp, rapier wit of yours. That's always a good thing.

[Dave Suponski]

Ya, He's a pisser ain't he...:rotf: Want to get him going? Just call his house and when ha answers just say"Hi Julie".....:whistle:

[todd allen]

Dean, here's some pics of the case with the gun in it:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/luckydogx2/DHE20InCase_zps6c7afef3.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/luckydogx2/media/DHE20InCase_zps6c7afef3.jpg.html)
The accessories:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/luckydogx2/DHE20Accessories_zpsb885b6c2.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/luckydogx2/media/DHE20Accessories_zpsb885b6c2.jpg.html)
Case closed
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/luckydogx2/DHE20Caseclosed_zps3721454c.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/luckydogx2/media/DHE20Caseclosed_zps3721454c.jpg.html)
The Paper:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/luckydogx2/HCGolcherCo_zps31cf631e.jpg (http://s8.photobucket.com/user/luckydogx2/media/HCGolcherCo_zps31cf631e.jpg.html)

[Dean Romig]

My - What a fabulous Parker that is!!

Look at those prices will ya!!

That is a very valuable Parker. I hope that gun stays with you for a long, long time and that it is enjoyed to the fullest each time it is brought out. Congratulations!

[Dean Romig]

I am anticipating an article on that one with "the rest of the story" and a bunch of nice pictures. I'll be happy to work with you on an article if you wish.

Best, Dean

[todd allen]

I plan to write this one, as soon as I get a little time. I'm starting a new job tomorrow, so I will be a little distracted for a while.

[Dean Romig]

Thank you Todd. The wait will nearly kill us, but we'll be patient.

[Dean Freeman]

Thank you Todd. The wait will nearly kill us, but we'll be patient.

Todd, I second that! Thank you so much for taking the time to post the pics. That price list is a real kick in the gut. As you know, that's a special gun, thanks so much for sharing.

Ok guys, our contributors so far have set the bar pretty high. Let's see some more cases (prefferably with guns in them)!

[Bill Murphy]

That is one great piece of paper. I had no idea that the Golcher shop was still in business in 1941. Thanks.

[edgarspencer]

That is one great piece of paper.

The key word being 'one'. Today, it would be a 4473 two letters of reference from the local constabulary, reams of documents from HHS attesting to the mental stability of the buyer, and copies of birth certificates, IRS returns, etc etc.

[Rick Losey]

what struck me was the $25 express charge -- which I take to be shipping

that was a lot of pocket change back then-

you can still ship a gun for $25 - of course, now, it will get lost or broken - but the cost is similar

[Dean Freeman]

The key word being 'one'. Today, it would be a 4473 two letters of reference from the local constabulary, reams of documents from HHS attesting to the mental stability of the buyer, and copies of birth certificates, IRS returns, etc etc.

Your fogot a blood sample!:rolleyes:

[Dean Freeman]

what struck me was the $25 express charge -- which I take to be shipping

that was a lot of pocket change back then-

you can still ship a gun for $25 - of course, now, it will get lost or broken - but the cost is similar

Maybe that was a "rush order" charge? Or maybe they had Obama tax back then too!:eek:

[edgarspencer]

Maybe that was a "rush order" charge?

Back in those days, quick service was expected and almost always delivered. Today it's nearly unheard of.

[Dean Freeman]

Back in those days, quick service was expected and almost always delivered. Today it's nearly unheard of.

Unless you owe someone money (see IRS)!

[Brian Dudley]

That is a VERY nice case you have built Edgar!
I want to build a couple of cases like that for a couple of guns that I am building now. I have a ton a Quarter Sawn White Oak here that I wanted to use for the cases.

For handles, one might look at what is out there for Guitar case handles. That is something to search for that would easily render more results that "Gun Case Handles".

I just can never get over the interior constuction of those old factory walnut cases. All the bare wood contact on the gun. And how things could possibly move around. Yikes!

[Rick Losey]

actually -- leather case handles and straps are fairly easy to find

Dysons, Jeff's Outfitters, Galazans and a few others carry case repair/build parts

and antique trunk repair sites are a good source for parts
such as
http://www.trunk.com/handles.htm


as for gunfit in the walnut cases. yes - not padded - but I have been told the insides were soft wood - a little less abrasive. and if you notice the lids have rods to press the gun in place.

[Jean Swanson]

Years ago the PGCA and the BOD presented a Parker under lifter $300 grade to Ron Kirby at one of our annual meetings . I donated the barrel action , Oscar refinished the barrels , George Flame restocked the gun , and other goodies for the interior of the case came from various Parker collectors . I made a walnut case with inlays and dovetail corners . My friend Winston Churchill engraved Ron's initials in an oval plate that was attached to the case top . I purchased all the hardware for the case from M. Huey . The project of making the case was fun and challenging . I know the gun was sold to a New Hampshire collector without the case . I am sure there are pictures of the gun and case somewhere ???

[Ed Blake]

I'm not sure I could sell something like that, but to each his own.

[Bruce Day]

You would have to be pretty destitute to sell something others had worked so hard to present to you as a gift.....either that or you couldn't care less.

[Jean Swanson]

I did not want to cast stones on anyone , but to say making a case is more work and coordination than you might think . I am sure that Ron appreciated the efforts by all , but has move on to new endeavors.

[John Farrell]

Just tossing this in. If you decide to line the interior with wool felt, find the closest billiard table retailer and you'll find he has it in his shop. It's actually a bit heavier and denser than the shooting case material, but, easier to find. I don't think it's any more difficult to work with. Latches, hinges, corners, etc., try Rockler Companies in MN.

Good luck with your project. Post photos from time to time.

[edgarspencer]

I will second what John says, but Billiard Table cloth is a worsted wool, and unlike felt, it is a woven material, and is easily worked, and easy to clean with a dry brush. Felt is a random, pressed cloth and frays easily.
I get my billiard table cloth from a woman on ebay and I use 3M 7700 spray adhesive.
Peter Dyson, in England sells precut dividers, but I make my own. He also sells all sorts of gun case hardware.

[Dean Freeman]

John and Edgar,
Thanks for the tips. Building a case, while fun, is challenging. Methods like which adhesive to use for case liner material are indespensible. Are there any other tips regarding building methods any of you builders might have?
I am interested in making this thread the go to for those needing information on case building. I know that there are many more cases out there that are just dying to be shown. Send in more pics and stories about your cases with and without guns (try to include dimensions and scale when possible). Don't hesitate to link other forum entries to this thread as well. There is probably enough valuable information hidden in the pages of this forum to make many volumes (and a set i'd happily pay for). If you know of old threads that will lend useful information, then by all means, add them.
Keep the information coming. Your experiences are welcome and necessary for a successful build, and thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.

[David Noble]

Here are pics of case to gun number O1248

[Dean Freeman]

David,
Absolutely gorgeous! The close ups are really great at helping understand the methods used to add the top and bottom to the sides. Any dimensions you care to give would be appreciated.

[David Noble]

I took some quick measurements.

External: 33 3/8" X 9" X 1 3/4" Total height closed is 3 1/2" so both top and bottom are identical.

Internal: 32 1/4" X 8" x 1 1/4" case body is all made from 1/2" wood.

The divider is 32 1/4" x 5 3/4"

I doubt this to be the original case to this gun. It needs to be about 3/8" wider and the small barrel block is cut for a dolls head extension which this gun doesn't have.
I need to make a spacer to hold the barrels in position so they won't hit the stock when the case is tilted.
I hope this helps.:)

[Dean Freeman]

David,
The case looks like others i've seen. You're probably right about the gun not being original to the case, but it looks like other parker cases indeed. Another note is that the cases I've seen all have the stock and action bordering the edge of the case. The void created by the other side of the wooden insert that holds the shells is just enough to fit the barrels on the opposing edge of the case. Is it possible that your insert has been lifted out and moved so that stock/action and barrels are all jammed together. Perhpas this was done to accomodate a larger gun, other than the original one that the case was made for? Just wondering.
For some photo's of what i'm describing, check out the pictures that Bruce (BD) posted. The link is on the fifth entry, on the first page of this thread.

Best
Dean

[David Noble]

Dean, you are exactly right about the insert. I have tried to position it so the barrels would be away from the stock and it just wouldn't fit.