Any Value? 1904 Side-by-Side 12-GA

[Max Cadenasso]

My uncle was helping my grandmother clean out some items in her & my grandpa's garage and they ran across my great uncle's double barrel shotgun. He died in the late-90's and I guess somehow the gun got in their garage. My grandma had no idea, she told my uncle to take it to the police. I'm glad I was able to reach my uncle in time to obtain the gun from him, as I'm the only one in the family that uses guns.

I'm not going to sell it but I am curious to know if there is any value to the gun. It's a double barrel side-by-side 12 gauge manufactured in 1904. All serials match. I had the chamber length measured by a reputable gunsmith who said it's setup for 2 3/4" shells and everything is mechanically good. Barrel is made of Vulcan Steel, not damascus. The only issue is that I guess at some point the metal on the gun was painted black to save it from rusting? Probably once the original blueing wore off. A lot of this black is actually worn off at this point but it's definitely noticeable. Does that make it pretty much worthless?

Either way I'm looking forward to getting this thing out to the range, should be a blast to shoot (pun partially intended).

[todd allen]

Paint is relatively easy to remove. Try lacquer thinner.

[Phil Yearout]

You didn't mention a maker or brand; is it a Parker? Some pics would be nice...

[Rick Losey]

well - the barrels are Vulcan steel- and you posted on the Parker board

so - first assumption is that it is a VH- and you say its a 12 gauge

Pictures are important

also- the serial number would help - how long are the barrels? and there is a number stamped on the barrel lug (the back "hook" on the underside of the barrels) what is that?

basically- a shootable VH has some value, unless its a less common configuration, not a lot -that is the field grade gun of that day, wood condition and the information above will help

[Max Cadenasso]

Sorry for the delay, the gun was at a gunsmith who checked the barrels for any fractures, cleaned and lubricated it as well as test fired it. All went well, he said it shot great. Anyways here are some pictures if this helps.

Serial number is 122763, the barrels seem to be 28".

Ideally I'd like to get the black crap off the gun but from what I understand that is protecting it from rusting and the only other way to protect the gun and bring it back to its original glory would be to re-blue which is an expensive process. Is my understanding correct or is there some other way? I'll be shooting the gun probably 4-6 times a year at the range during good weather if that helps determine how rust-proof the metal needs to be.

[Rick Losey]

28" barrels is what the book says that serial number should be wearing

as for the black what ever

the first thing I would try is a solvent and a frontier pad

http://www.exploreproducts.com/big45-frontier-gun-cleaner.htm

they clean great but will not damage the blue or case colors (steel wool will) try to keep it off the wood - masking it might be a good idea

as is - looks like a nice shooter

[Brian Dudley]

The gun is complete and appears to be in good shootable condition. Heck, the buttplate is even still whole! The issues with this gun look to be mostly just cosmetic.

The paint will clean off relatively easily and then you can see what you are left with. Likely the gun will need to have its barrels blued at the minimum. Or you will be oiling it like crazy to keep it from rusting.

[Joe Dreisch]

The paint should come off easily with cotton balls and a bottle of nail polish remover. I have removed a couple of home done camo paint jobs this way and it's fast and easy.
For crud and rust you just can't beat Frontier pad and solvent or oil of your choice. After you get it clean, wipe the gun down with a good coat of RIG and you won't have to worry about rust. Good luck with it., Joe

[Richard Flanders]

"Take it to the police??" Gawd! Good save Max! You did good. You now have a genuine Parker in what looks like good condition and you will indeed enjoy shooting it. It should last generations if you take care of it. You'll get all the help you need from this group so stick around and don't ever be afraid to ask questions; the only stupid question is the one not asked. This gun is most definitely not "worthless"...not even close, especially being a family gun. You're going to grow to love this thing. Where are you located? We may have a member nearby who can help you.

[Max Cadenasso]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

I'm in the Bay Area, Walnut Creek, CA more specifically.

[George Lander]

Max: You have what appears to be a nice shootable Parker. As Richard said above use it and enjoy it. If these old guns could talk what a story they could tell.

[stevenjay]

Hi Max, I'm live just south of you and am looking for a good gunsmith. Who did you take your Parker too? Thanks, Steve

[Max Cadenasso]

I took it to Upper Level Gunsmithing in San Ramon. He did a good job and the price was fair. $70 to check the barrel for cracks, test fire and oil.

[stevenjay]

Thanks Max, Upper Level is just spitting distance from me.