Parker GH question. Somewhat confused!

[Robert Bay]

I am not sure if this is the proper address for a question but here goes. I have a Parker Bros. 12 Ga 30” barrel shotgun. The serial number is 90088 on both the water table and forearm.
the water table is also marked “G” and “2” which I believe to be a GH. The barrels are marked “Parker Bros Makers Meridian Ct USA Vulcan Steel” however the serial numbers on the
barrels is 18980 G or 8. I believe it is an 8 but he number is somewhat scratched. Are these barrels original to the gun or could they have been a second set of barrels for the gun? Also
could the gun originally had Damascus barrels that were shot out and then a new set of steel barrels ordered from Parker Bros?
I collect other Parker Bros doubles and usually do not have a problem authenticating them but this one puzzles me and I thought you might be able to answer my question.
In advance, I would like to thank you for your web site and any information you might be able to provide me.
Sincerely,
Robert Bay
Murrells Inlet, SC
rab41283@gmail.com
843-780-0143

[Bill Holcombe]

189808 is not in the book but is probably a seperate set of barrels someone added to replace the original damascus that came on 90088 which is a

D2, H, 0, C, 12, 30

Which is Grade 2 damascus(G), Hammerless, no options, Capped pistol grip, 12 gauge, 30 inch barrels.

The Vulcan barrels came from another gun at some point and were hopefully correctly fitted to the new action when someone decided to replace the "dangerous" damascus barrels.

[Brian Dudley]

If the barrels are stamped with a different number than the frame, then they are not original to the gun. A GH of that Era would have been fitted with Damascus barrels. And as per the serialization book, it was. Yours now have Vulcan barrels from another gun, a VH grade.

[Tom Goldasich]

I'm new here and also have a question about a GH. I'm looking at a circa 1922 12 gauge with a Damascus bbl. It needs both toe repair and a new "widow's peak" butt plate. I would need help with a replacement plate if I buy this.

Shouldn't a gun that late have fluid steel bbls? The photos do not show the serial for the bbls.

[Dean Romig]

That's a late date for a Damascus barreled gun but not exceptionally rare.






.

[Brian Dudley]

A gun of that era could have been fitted with Damascus barrels on order.

[Tom Goldasich]

Thank you both. The reason I ask is that Peter Johnson's book (pg. 53) says that when the fluid steel bbls came out, the factory destroyed every Damascus bbl in the factory.

But I read elsewhere that 1917 was the date for the new bbls.

Anyway, I will need a source for the butt plate if you know of one.

Thank You

[Dean Romig]

The reason I ask is that Peter Johnson's book (pg. 53) says that when the fluid steel bbls came out, the factory destroyed every Damascus bbl in the factory.



That is entirely incorrect. You should get yourself the two-volume set The Parker Story for more accurate and definitive information.





.

[Tom Goldasich]

OK; I didn't know that

Thanks again

[Alfred Greeson]

Brian Dudley who answered above can supply a good butt plate for your gun I believe.

[Tom Goldasich]

Thank you; if I buy this gun, I'll certainly look into it.

A AAA grade stock is a terrible thing to waste.

[Brian Dudley]

Johnson’s book is long on enthusuasm, but short on facts. It is, by no way, to be taken as accurate.
Yes, it was the first book on Parkers and what got the interest started, but that is about it.

[Jim lee]

Hello all perhaps someone can help me I bought a bunch of Antiques at a private sale and amongst the items was a Parker kind of weird looking serial number 171264 12 gauge thank you in advance for any info

[Brian Dudley]

That is not a Parker serial number as it is more than 6 digits long.

[Jim lee]

Sorry I the serial number is 171264 it’s a 12 gauge

[Jack Huber]

Probably made in 1914. By 'weird" do you mean the serial number is written in script rather than block numerals?

[Brian Dudley]

Ok. That looks better. What is so odd about it?

[Jim lee]

The stock looks like it has adjustments

[Chuck Bishop]

Mr. Lee, I sent you a PM. Check for it at the top right hand corner of your screen.

[Patrick Lien]

The stock looks like it has adjustments

There were Parker try guns made in the 171xxx and 173xxx range. If the adjustments you speak of are to adjust the drop, cast, length then you have a nice treasure. Please post some pictures.

Patrick

[John Knobelsdorf II]

171264 reads as:

V H 0 C 12 30