Stock repair question

[Mike McClure]

I recently acquired a 1885 Parker 12 gauge. The gun had obviously been ignored for a considerable time and was in bad need of some TLC. I am in the process of cleaning and conserving rather then attempting to restore it to a like new condition. Upon disassembly I have noted that all the parts are serialized with the same original number, in good condition and everything is fully functional. Even the butt plate and stock have the original numbers. Unfortunately examination of the stock found numerous cracks.
Does anyone have a recommendation of what to use to repair the cracks?
The stock was not soaked in acetone for fear of drying and causing more problems and is consequently a bit oil soaked..

[Justin Julian]

Acraglass is the only glue I would trust for that job. BUT the stock must be de-oiled before it is applied or it will not form a good bond to the wood. And a de-oiled stock is a stock that will require refinishing, so it is a substantial project to repair those cracks.

[Dean Romig]

This is the first time I've noticed the Diamond P stamped in a stock head - very nice to see that.





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[Robin Lewis]

I recently acquired a 1885 Parker 12 gauge. The gun had obviously been ignored for a considerable time and was in bad need of some TLC. I am in the process of cleaning and conserving rather then attempting to restore it to a like new condition. Upon disassembly I have noted that all the parts are serialized with the same original number, in good condition and everything is fully functional. Even the butt plate and stock have the original numbers. Unfortunately examination of the stock found numerous cracks.
Does anyone have a recommendation of what to use to repair the cracks?
The stock was not soaked in acetone for fear of drying and causing more problems and is consequently a bit oil soaked..

Go to our main page www.parkerguns.org and click on the FAQ link on the left. in the Parker Maintenance and Repair section read #15 & #16. They may give you some ideas.

[Mike McClure]

Is there a significance to the diamond P?

[Dean Romig]

Up until now I have only seen it stamped on metal parts. Others may have seen it on wood before...

However, the fact that the P in the diamond stamp is seen (now) on both metal and wood parts, it is almost surely the stamp of an inspector and not a contractor. We know of no contractor who produced both metal and wood parts of the Parker gun.






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[Mike McClure]

Interesting information.
Well, I guess the best thing to do is start soaking and get it cleaned up. The wood looks like a very well grained piece so should refinish very nicely.
Thanks for the help.

[Bill Holcombe]

My reccommendation, unless you have substantial experience with wood restoration, for a project like this would be to PM Brian Dudley and see about sending it to him. He does fabulous work, I have never had the pleasure, but if I did ever did he would be the one I sent it to.

I as a hobbyist have removed oil and refinished a stock with a minor crack repair in it, but I wouldn't even try to fix this fellow. Let a pro do it or I am afraid you will wish you had.

Unless of course you are really experienced at this kind of thing, but I don't believe you would be asking the question if you were.

In addition to the cracks you mention, it appears there is also wood missing from the stock head. Again I would seek Dudley's opinion.

[Mike McClure]

Thanks for the input. I will touch base with him. Stock is currently soaking so we'll see what he says.