Fathers Day Gun Show

[Bob Hayes]

Well I am new and will be joining soon.Also plan getting letter for this Parker and hope to learn more from ya'll.
At a gun show here in Florida on Fathers Day this gun walked into my life wrapped in a blanket.
A Parker Bros CHE 20ga 2 barrel set in good condition.The guy really didn't know what he had.Either misinformed or didn't know how to interpret the numbers on gun.I think the first cause he said he was told several times by dealers and gun shops it was a lesser grade.Offered some low numbers for the gun and thankfully held off.
I was caught off guard when I first lloked at the gun since I wasn't prepared to by a gun of this value that day.We rarely see these down here if every at shows walking around.
The only thing I could do was take a chance by trying to be a friend and potential buyer.I immediately told him of the grade and approximate value and asked if he could wait til Monday morning to make our deal.
He was so appreciative of my honesty that he agreed.
Monday the deal was struck and rest is history to be added to this gun.
Here are pictures of the gun any opinions or input is appreciated.
Don't know what I want to do with it yet other than hunt.

[Bob Hayes]

Here are more of the gun.

[John Campbell]

Once again, honesty and virtue triumph.

The only thing I'd do for, or to this gun, is to have it inspected by a competent double gun 'smith. Then use light loads and enjoy it.

If I were you, I'd send it to Del Grego, Bachelder or Merrington. Then heed their advice.

(the pad looks a little perished. Maybe replace that)

[Dean Romig]

May we see both sides of the grip area from where it meets the frame to just behind the pistol grip taken in natural light so there is less glare?

You're a very lucky guy to have this gun drop in your lap. That's often how it happens though... it's happened to me several times.

[charlie cleveland]

really nice gun what are those barrel lentghs..you will enjoy this gun...charlie

[David Noble]

Have you been able to determine if the short barrels have been cut down from a longer length?

[Bob Hayes]

I honestly don't know one is 28" and the other is 24".If they were it looks good to me.

[Dean Romig]

The tubes on the barrel set on the left arn't touching, indicating cut barrels. However, the barrels may have been cut by Parker Bros. to fill a special order.

[Bob Hayes]

Well I got my letter today from research.Looks like I got one factory length barrel and one that was cut but by who?The letter states that the gun was sent back to factory twice.The second time at a charge of $19.00 so I don't know what that all means.
This is a picture of M.O. Dantzler and his home in Orangeburg SC.His father was a judge and he evidently was a barge Captain transorting lumber,cotton etc. to the coast.
I grew up not far from there and lots of family there.My Great Grandmother passes away in Orangeburg.So I am looking for more on the family.Its very interesting research.Capt. Dantzler passed away in 1925.
Also looks like recoil pad was installed by Parker.

[Bill Murphy]

Wonderful provenance on this gun with much more to come, I'm sure. Keep digging. This is the advent of automatic ejector installation. My research on early ejector installations includes many that were returned for tweaking, like this gun was.

[Bob Hayes]

It just seems like $15 and $19 a lot of money then for a service repair.I know in the Lower part of South Carolina deer hunts done with buckshot but that was also great quail hunting then.My grandfather would tell me stories of 75 to 100 covey days.One of his close friends actually had a Parker he shot so much the action was broken but couldn't afford to have it repaired.Just kept shooting and holding the gun closed.

[George Lander]

Bob: Dantzler is still a fairly common name in and around Orangeburg County. I have a friend, Ellis Dantzler, originally from there who now lives on Lake Murray near Lexington. What a story these old guns could tell if they could talk.

Best Regards, George

[Bob Hayes]

It is interesting I keep getting sidetracked by different stories in that era.Growing up there (SC) was always an adventure.Now when I return I'm shocked to see all the development.But some of those small towns haven't changed much.

[Bill Murphy]

Bob, I brought the story of another South Carolina C Grade to the top, in case you haven't read it. It is on this subforum and titled "A C Grade Without Barrels". I hope you enjoy it.

[Bob Hayes]

That was a great read thanks for bringing that to my attention.Well I have contacted some family to see if anyone knows some of the Dantzlers from Orangeburg.My cousin is dating one as we speak so this might be real interesting.
Still looking and keep ya'll posted.
Got to figure out what to do with her now.Spoke to a few and really not sure which direction to go,keep as is,restore or sale/trade.
Whatever I do I better hury as hunting season is coming fast and I don't like to just look at fine guns.

[Brian Dudley]

The letter gave you a LOT of good info on the gun! That is what you want from a letter.
The pad on the gun is correct, which is very good. Now, that particular pad is not the original pad since the letter calls for a silvers pad and that one on it now looks to be a Jostam. Original pad was likely worn out and replaced. And that one is worn now too. But, at least you know what should be on there.

The one barrel set being cut down is too bad. Yes, that hurts what the value of the gun COULD be, but ultimately the gun is still worth a good amount given what it is.
Many 2 barrel sets have been broken up over the years. Yours has not, just you lost half of the one set.
Now... If you were to be able to find another set of Titanic ejector barra in that length, they could be fitted up and made to look like the matching set. You have the forend.

Titanic steel barrels are a little bit more rare on a CH grade, but very plentiful due to them being standard on DH grades.
It is truely unfourtunately that the 30" set were cut. 30" 20g barrels are rare. Might be hard to find a replacement set in that length.

[Bob Hayes]

Seems Mr Dantzler had a lot of interest in Orangeburg.

[charlie cleveland]

great machinery he sold i like the slogan what shall the harvest be...charlie

[Alfred Greeson]

Guys, maybe it was factory but do both barrels not look cut? No beads? Still a great find, wow!

[Bob Hayes]

Sorry the barrels are upside down in the picture.The bead elevated them just enough to see clearer.
I was questioning the charges from the factory for the work listed.Is there any where to find the typical charge for factory service at different time periods?
I read somewhere that a recoil pad install was $2.50 so that leaves a good bit still on the table for charges.