Restoring an old Parker

[Christopher pacelli]

My father was given an old Parker Bros shotgun about fifty years ago to use as a templet to build a gun cabinet for
a customer. The shotgun had no front stock and the rear stock was cracked. After the cabinet was finished, the customer did not want the Parker back. My father held it for twenty years then passed it to me thirty years ago and it has been packed away since. Now I am thinking of restoring it but I am not sure if it is worth it. The gun needs new stocks and metal refinishing. The serial number is 1247L3 and stamped Vulcan steel. Can anyone give me an idea the cost of the restoration and any opinion about it being worth the effort. Thanks

[Rick Losey]

please double check the serial number, I have never seen a Parker serial number containing a letter.

124713 would be a 12 gauge VH with 30 inch Vulcan steel barrels

how long are the barrels?

you may have a V grade, pictures would also help

what markings are on the under side of the barrels and on the action

[allen newell]

Christopher, the cost of restoration is a function of many variables and you may find that the cost may well exceed the value of the gun, particularly one that is not a true family heirloom. Re-stocking would be one of the larger costs associated with any restoration. Not to mention re case coloring, re blueing, dent repairs, honing, etc. etc. If you are serious about restoring this apparent V grade Parker, you should consider packing it up and sending it to a competent gunsmith for their evaluation and cost estimate. A review of many posts on this subject will provide you with the names of many of these gunsmiths who would be willing to assist you. At the end of the day, think through why you want to do this and know that this is not an inexpensive journey. All the best.

[Dean Romig]

A word of caution - We have seen "Vulcan Steel" barrels on higher grade guns that had gone back to Parker Bros. for a second set or as replacements for the original barrels.

Double check that serial number.

[Brian Dudley]

V grade guns are difficult being a field grade gun. They are rarely a money making endeavor when restoring them unless they are first bought right, and then if they are a small bore or have some very rare features.

You are in a different situation. It is a family heirloom which owes you nothing by way of money. And honestly, a good amount of people spend money on restoring guns like your even though they may not be "worth" it. If it was not for "grandpa's shotgun" a lot of firearm restorers would not get a good amount of the business they do.

Put the money subject aside. You have to look at the condition of what is left on the gun. If the barrels have nice bores and are tight, and the frame has no major pitting or engraving wear, it would be a good candidate for restoration.

It is my opinion, to get back on the money subject, that since the gun owes you nothing, if it is a good base for a proper restoration, I do not think you would be upside down on it in the end.

[Rick Losey]

A word of caution - We have seen "Vulcan Steel" barrels on higher grade guns that had gone back to Parker Bros. for a second set or as replacements for the original barrels.

Double check that serial number.

agreed - that is why I think the correct serial number and/or pictures are important to the response

[Christopher pacelli]

I checked the serial number and it is possible that the L is a 1. The number on the stock looks like 124713

[Rick Losey]

I checked the serial number and it is possible that the L is a 1. The number on the stock looks like 124713

then the questions - are the barrels still 30 inches long and what condition are they in- any pitting - bad dents, rust?

if the barrels are very good - I would point you to Brian's response, a VH 12 is not a high dollar gun, but you have nothing in it so far.

talk to someone like Brian or one of the other stock makers you can find with a searchhere and see about new wood and shoot it.

it may cost a little more than actual value- but you get a good gun with a good story

[Christopher pacelli]

Hi, just measured the barrels and they are 30in. the rust or oxidation is minimal and there are no dents. Is there anyone that you could recommend to help with the restoration or give some guiding advice? Thanks for any info you can give, this is new to me. how would i send the picture

[John Campbell]

If you want the resto done right, send it to Brad Bachelder in Grand Rapids, MI.

[Dean Romig]

Contact Brian Dudley right here. He is qualified for this work.

Or as Mr. Rise points out, Mr. Bachelder can certainly do it too.

[Christopher pacelli]

Would you know his email or contact info

[Dean Freeman]

Would you know his email or contact info

Brian or Brad will probably PM you if you ask. I don't know Brad but if you spend any time on this form you will find his reputation precedes him. Same goes for Brian. I have met him personally and done business with him. I can attest that he is a gunsmith of high function and quality and his work is Evidenced within many of this forum's pages. That being said, either of these gentlemen would not be a bad option. You're only real problem will be securing their services as their work is in high demand. Best of luck to you and your Parker.
P.S. To contact anyone on the forum, just click on his or her name then send that person a PM.

[Dean Romig]

Is a "Forum Associate" able to use the PM function?

[Rick Losey]

Is a "Forum Associate" able to use the PM function?

Brian's website with contact info is at the bottom of each of his posts

[Lee Tillman]

I have recently purchased a Parker 1908 VH 12ga double barrel. I have a question about the symbol on the butt (looks like a shield). What is this called, and why is it there? My Beretta 686 (silver pigeon) has this mark too? I have always heard it was for initials? Is this true?



*One Last question- I am thinking of getting some light-repairs on my Parker- what would you all recommend? Is it possible to do light repairs without spending a fortune?

[Dean Romig]

The shield is for initials or any other sort of identification the owner wants.

"Light repairs" is subjective. Nobody can answer that question without knowing exactly what's wrong with the gun and what you want done to remedy the situation.





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