To restore or not?

[John F MacDonald]

I have a PH 10 gauge that at some time, ejectors were added. Serial # 215xxx. All the case color is missing, most of the blueing is worn and the finish on the butt stock has flaked off or worn to some degree but no significant dents or dings .It has a splinter fore end in very good condition. The dog's head butt plate is also cracked. The bores are very good and mechanically the gun functions perfectly. There is no rust or pitting. The barrels are 32 inches. My question is whether this gun should be restored or left as is. Is this a rare parker model? I do not mind spending money to bring this gun back to life. I would really appreciate some direction on this project.

John

[Robin Lewis]

See FAQ #31 for some insight on this question gathered from previous forum discussions.

[Rick Losey]

the value of a PH- unless pristine original condition, is as a shooter-

if the wood is bare, i would get a finish on it to protect it

my PH 10 32" is one of my favorites to shoot

[Brian Dudley]

Given the serial number, it is likely a fluid steel barreled PH grade which is pretty rare in itself.
The fact that the gun is also an ejector gun in 10g, it surely Adds to the rarity factor to consider in the restore or not debate.

[Dean Romig]

IF it has Parker ejectors and not those 'non-Parker' ejectors we sometimes see where the gun had to be visibly altered to fit them.... Then the ejectors add value. If a research letter can support that the gun left the factory originally, that much the better.

A Grade 1 hammerless 10 gauge with 32" Parker Steel barrels and ejectors is a rare gun.






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[John F MacDonald]

Thanks guys for your input. This is my first time on any forum and I am not sure if I'm doing this right or not. But here is a little more info on the gun. It has ''Parker steel'' on the rib, the number 3 on the barrel lump which I believe is the frame size. The reason I believe that the ejectors were added later is because only PH is marked on the water table. The fore end ejector mechanism is identical to the patent drawing. My problem is that I like old things in good shape. So when I look at the gun I imagine what it could be. I also feel and appreciate the 90 years of history the gun shows. So I feel stuck in between.
Need to think and maybe research more.

Thanks again, John

[David Noble]

John, the "E" for ejectors was not added to the grade marking on the water table.
There were 3 grade one 10ga guns with 32" barrels and factory ejectors in the 215XXX serial number range.
215218
215293
215308
All had capped pistol grip stocks.
All have existing records in the PGCA documents.
If your gun is one of the above serials, a PGCA letter should document its authenticity.

[John F MacDonald]

The serial # is 215293. It also has a capped pistol grip. David, what do you mean by grade 1?

[Mills Morrison]

Can you share some pictures of it? That would help some of us give you advice. If it is fluid steel, it is probably worth fixing up a little

[David Noble]

John, the "P" grade guns were referred to as grade 1. The grade 2 was a "G" and the grade 3 was a "D" etc.

[Brian Dudley]

Well, one of 3 known to be made qualifies as rare!

[Dean Romig]

One of them was in David Trevallion's shop about six months ago and it was in 90% original condition... What a Gun!!






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[Paweł Janusz]

I have a PH 10 gauge that at some time, ejectors were added. Serial # 215xxx. All the case color is missing, most of the blueing is worn and the finish on the butt stock has flaked off or worn to some degree but no significant dents or dings .It has a splinter fore end in very good condition. The dog's head butt plate is also cracked. The bores are very good and mechanically the gun functions perfectly. There is no rust or pitting. The barrels are 32 inches. My question is whether this gun should be restored or left as is. Is this a rare parker model? I do not mind spending money to bring this gun back to life. I would really appreciate some direction on this project.

John

Yes, restored not refinished, big diference. Be glad to help, when done it will be hard to recognize if it was redone or it original, Paweł Janusz, reputable references available