basket case parker

[Andrew Timmerman]

Hey all,, new to this forum. i just purchased a basket case Parker on an auction this weekend. Been trying to figure it out what i have but drawing a few blanks. SN Number is 19553 so it was made in 1880, i have also figure out that its called a Lifter gun. Frame is a 2 and barrel length is 30 inch Damascus. Having a tough time figuring out the grade. Is there any pro's out there who can help me. Also is this gun worthy of restoration?

[Mills Morrison]

Post some photos and we'll be able to help you better

[Brian Dudley]

The book lists the gun as a grade 2 with Damascus barrels and a pistol grip stock.

How bad the gun is really depends on if it is "worth" and fixing up. Barrels are the big variable.

If it is really bad, it would surely cost more than the gun is worth. But of you want to do it, then it is worth it.

[Andrew Timmerman]

actually the barrels are in considerably great condition. I have went through the parts and appears i'm missing one hammer. I have the original silver tag but not the original butt stock. The action seems very complete and in very good shape as well. I don't figure it would take much to make it beautiful again

[Andrew Timmerman]

i cannot get them to shrink so i can share them

[Andrew Timmerman]

some of the pictures of the 1880 lifter... I'm missing only a few pieces and would like to just make this more into a wall hanger then into a functioning gun.

[Mills Morrison]

Unfortunately any money you put into that one you will not likely see again.

[Andrew Timmerman]

Well i'm not looking to spend a ton of money. I bought the lot very reasonable and could probably sell it for parts. Been thinking of finding the couple of missing parts and possibly putting it out for display, all in all its still a Parker

[greg conomos]

Truly, that gun is so far gone it's not even worth displaying. Use/sell it for parts.

[Andrew Timmerman]

honestly what kinda value does it have for parts? The only part i'm missing is the right side hammer and screw..everything else is in a baggy..All the springs look very nice and still firm. even the sears are in beautiful shape. no dents in the barrels and bore is very clean.

[Brian Dudley]

There is hours and hours of work in fitting that stock. And that semi-Inlet looks like it will end up having a ton of drop of you use it.

[Mike Franzen]

Andrew the barrels are probably the most valuable item. Next would be the forend. The hammer and screws would have value as well

[Andrew Timmerman]

I have fitted stocks before to similar guns, just not a hammer parker. the stock was made by bishop, i assume it was made some time ago off of the original or a pattern. From what others have said this thing isn't worth the time of day so i may just leave it in the box and move onto other projects. I was going to polish out all the parts and reblue them and then re etch the Damascus barrel and just have a complete gun is all. I have the forearm and all the hardware, the wood is rough on the forearm but the metal is in good shape.

[Brian Dudley]

Well, bluing all the parts would not be a correct finish.

[Andrew Timmerman]

Well I guess im parker stupid...I will just leave it in the box. I thought there would be more ethusasim shown for a basket case parker and someone wanting to make it a complete piece again. Thanks guys

[John Powers]

Andrew, just honest opinions. It is your shotgun and if you are willing to spend the time, which is money some kind of way, go for it. But to properly restore it as Parker finished it will require time and money. Most parts on the frame were case hardened, there is no quick way to do it correctly. Good luck with your project.

[Rich Anderson]

Just because it's a Parker doesn't give it much value in and of itself. There is more value there in the parts then the gun as a whole. it's a sad but true fact. Parts for older hammer guns are hard to come by at times so that is where your value lies.