A Grade Restoration Query

[Corey Barrette]

I’m looking into purchasing an A grade that appears to be an all original gun but could use some work. It needs re-stocking and the screws need to be replaced as they’re pretty buggered. Will be taking the gun to my smith for further evaluation and condition of the barrels/bores. However, they look clean; no visible pitting. Any opinions related to the restoration work and/or recommendations related to who may do the work should I ‘pull the trigger’ on this one would be greatly appreciated. Seems an interesting gun to me. That said I’m not too familiar. Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Corey Barrette]

Additional pics.

[Robert Delk]

Gotta be one of a kind engraving.Would love to see it in person.

[Frank Childrey]

I'd sure like to see a letter on that one.

[Corey Barrette]

I’ve sent in a request. In any case, it will help me and the current owner understand more about its provenance.

[Dean Romig]

An extremely unusual Parker in so many respects.

Engraved wedges like that on Damascus barrels is only the second example I have ever seen.

It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that grip cap may well have been done by Parker on special order. Are those letters “CSA”?

The relief engraving is also highly unusual and while we have seen others with similar engraving they are very few.

If you’re thinking it needs restocking because of that fractured wrist, think again.
If no pieces are missing, an artist like David Trevallion or Brian Board should be consulted. It could be saved and the repair made both strong and invisible - and you would maintain the originality of the gun.





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[Mike McKinney]

I agree with Dean, explore a repair before you commit to a restock.

[Bill Mullins]

It appears you are looking at a AAH grade gun rather than a AH grade.
A 7 is stamped on the barrel flats and barrel beading is that of a AA grade. Trigger guard piercing also normally just seen on grade 7 & 8 grades.
Keep it ALL original as much as possible! 🤗😊

[John Campbell]

Mr. Barrette:
There has GOT to be a great story behind this gun! Please do NOT restock it. Have the existing wood repaired. The craftsmen already mentioned are superb. So is the Brad Bachelder shop.

The history and story behind the original owner of this Parker will certainly be well worth the effort. It's history, just waiting to be discovered!

[Mills Morrison]

Lots of good advice here. I will add that IF you restock it, keep the old stock with it

[Mark Ray]

Dave Wolf in Waco Texas could fix that wrist and also restore the wood appearance inside the SSBP, and the repairs would probably be invisible...

[Mark Ray]

Also....am I seeing it right that is SIX iron Damascus!! Super cool gun to say the least.

[Dean Romig]

Yep, six-iron crolle. Good eye Mark!

I had expected to see a DD stamp but couldn't see one.





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[John Knobelsdorf II]

My best guess is, we are looking at the final D7 gun. Page 403 in Price & Fjestad’s serilization book.

[Corey Barrette]

Many thanks to each of you thus far for your replies. I hadn’t realized the gun may be able to be adequately repaired in its current condition to be fully functioning. Will certainly learn more once I receive the letter and have someone else take a look at it (barrels etc). As mentioned, aside from the stock and screws it’s in good shape. Pictures don’t do the engraving justice.

[Dean Romig]

Repairing the original stock may prove to be less expensive than making a new stock befitting that gun.





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[Corey Barrette]

From the serial number the gun was manufactured in 1907. The gun is accompanied with what looks to be the original leg o mutton case. The nameplate on the case is labeled ‘T.S. Sharretts.

From a quick search on the Net T. S. Sharretts was appointed U.S. Commissioner to China by Teddy Roosevelt in the Dept of Treasury. There are references to him in decisions surrounding trade and commerce in 1898 and 1902 which would be around the time of the gun’s manufacture. Who knows, he may have hunted with President Roosevelt. Any other thoughts from the historians?

The gun also had a cotton slip on it with a name written in pen ‘C. R. Sharretts’. See photos below.

[Brian Dudley]

A VERY unique gun is nearly all respects, mostly due to the engraving work on the gun.

If restoration is to be undertaken, only the best craftsmen should be considered who will devote the time and attention to detail required for a gun like this.

Unless you are limited by your budget, I would recommend just replacing the stock completely. Though a very good repair would be had from a cosmetic standpoint, if the gun is to be used at all, the structural integrity of the repair long term will always be a concern. New wood properly fitted will eliminate ANY concern.

[John Campbell]

Here's an interesting bit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Monterey_(BM-6)



"The Monterey operating from July 1900 to September 1901 as station ship at Shanghai, voyaging upriver to Nanking from 25 to 31 July 1902 with Special Commissioner T. S. Sharretts on board for a diplomatic mission..."



Also, please consider that the original stock of this gun is at least half of its historical value!

[Eric Eis]

If you want to replace the stock go ahead, but keep the original stock and have it properly repaired. I think that if one of the craftsman that were mentioned above fixed the stock properly there would be no concern with shooting it with low pressure loads for the next fifty years or more. I know of a of a Boss shotgun that the stock was in four pieces and one of the above fixed it and you can barely see the repair and he has been shooting if for the five years without a hiccup....

[Craig Larter]

Corey you are a very fortunate man to be the caretaker of a unique Parker. Thanks for posting the pictures for us lovers of American gun art. The gun would maintain it's maximum value by having a top stock man repair the original stock in my opinion. Tell us a little more about how you came upon the gun. Craig Larter

[Jay Gardner]

That is a piece of history. Wow.

[Corey Barrette]

Regarding the gun, my wife had seen advertised a gun cabinet that she knew I could use; having outgrown my existing 12 gun case by haf as many.

Upon stopping by to pick up the cabinet, I mentioned to the seller that I collected shotguns; most recently, for the past few years, Parkers. He mentioned that he knew there was a Parker, one of two guns in this family, that may be for sale. I took the pics while visiting and talking with him about it. He needed a bit of time and recently contacted me to discuss further. He wants it to go to a collector vs. a dealer.

So, at the end of the day, if it all works out, I can blame my wife for locating it and uncovering a fine gun and a bit of history. :rotf:

Certainly, my first, and likely only, experience with a ‘barn find’. Fascinating as well for me to be part of this organization and for the years of experience openly shared. All part of the magic. Thanks.

[Mark Ray]

Great story. As an aside, I have Pape english 12 that Dave Wolf repaired a smashed wrist on 20 years ago. I have shot many many 3 3/4-1 1/4 pigeon loads thru that gun, and have had no issues. It was at least as bad as that beautiful Parker!

[Corey Barrette]

If all works out, based on the feedback, that’s the route I’m likely to take. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[edgarspencer]

Sometimes, a coincidence is just a coincidence.

Barrette Sharretts

[Dave Noreen]

There are bits of "grey matter" all over my office from my mind being blown!! What a great find!!

[edgarspencer]

Dave Wolf in Waco Texas could fix that wrist and also restore the wood appearance inside the SSBP, and the repairs would probably be invisible...

I may be mistaken, but I believe the butt treatment, inside the SSBP, is leather, as was the case on many high grade Parkers.

[Brian Dudley]

The butt appears to have been shortened. The toe of the ssbp has been crudely ground down as it would be if the LOP was reduced (screws being put of whack too).

The wood area in the middle of the buttplate was re-inletted poorly and an attempt to stipple it was made instead of proper checkering.

[Phillip Carr]

To the untrained eye (mine ) it looked correct. It alway surprises me what other are able to detect from pictures. Really a cool Parker.
Looking forward to more pictures and information from the letter. Thanks for sharing.

[Corey Barrette]

See below the letter received related to this gun (and case)

[Dean Romig]

Very nice.

Most Parker research letters leave us with many unanswered questions and this one is no exception, but there it is - everything there is to know about this gun.

Thank you.





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[John Campbell]

It appears as though this was a complete kit ordered from Parker. And it remains intact with the original LOM case. All of it for a notable figure in American history. Great find!

And please understand, that whatever issues the stock may have suffered through time can be totally remedied by one of the top craftsmen mentioned. And... the gun will be usable with reasonable cartridges, such as RST 1 oz. loads.

Finally, $425 in 1907 had the same buying power as $11,857.49 current dollars.

[Dean Romig]

But it would be impossible to have such a gun made today for only $11,858.00






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[keavin nelson]

Definitely have the stock repaired. I shot my LC Ideal grade last thursday at SC that was almost as bad, it is holding fine after many rounds, and you can't see the repair which I did some years ago. No not lobbying for work, and I wouldn't take it on if asked. But the stock is at least half of the history, not to mention nice wood. Truly an extraordinary find!

[Frank Childrey]

You know, the more I look at that gun it just seems to me that someone tried to destroy it. Of course, we'll never know. But in any case, it's a real shame that it has surfaced in the condition that it is in.

[Dean Romig]

But it is fantastic that it has surfaced at all.





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[Mills Morrison]

It is great that it has surfaced and will now be rescued. You just wonder what else lies out there waiting to be discovered as well

[edgarspencer]

I may be mistaken, but I believe the butt treatment, inside the SSBP, is leather, as was the case on many high grade Parkers.

The butt appears to have been shortened. The toe of the ssbp has been crudely ground down as it would be if the LOP was reduced (screws being put of whack too).

The wood area in the middle of the buttplate was re-inletted poorly and an attempt to stipple it was made instead of proper checkering.

Well then, I guess I was part right....... The part where I said "I may be mistaken,..." that's what I get for looking at pictures on my phone instead of my 24" monitor.

[John Campbell]

Indeed. Without a hands-on examination, many aspects of an old gun can slip past the eye.

So, I thought I'd point out that the wrist of this gun has been repaired in the past (note the rectangular wood inserts in this enhanced pic). The failure of that repair (due to heavy loads?) led to further crack/split distress. But, all can still be saved.

[Steve Huffman]

I would like to know if the letter would state what type of engraving that should be on this gun as one would think it would be a special order. I ask this question because I dont know the answer . I am not knocking this gun in anyway. Just very different from anything I have seen .

[Corey Barrette]

The gun is as specified in the letter. According to page 353 of The Parker Story, Volume I, this is one of 3 Grade 7 guns manufactured with Damascus barrels.

Thanks, Bill, for a great conversation last eve and for sharing your experience.

This Parker has found a new home. :)

Additional pics attached.

[Corey Barrette]

Well then, I guess I was part right....... The part where I said "I may be mistaken,..." that's what I get for looking at pictures on my phone instead of my 24" monitor.

You are correct, Edgar. The treatment below the SSBP is, in fact, leather. Good eye.

[Corey Barrette]

I would like to know if the letter would state what type of engraving that should be on this gun as one would think it would be a special order. I ask this question because I dont know the answer . I am not knocking this gun in anyway. Just very different from anything I have seen .

The letter did not specify engraving or request for specific style. Based on conversation last eve, the engraver may have been Frederick W. Anschutz, senior engraver. Photo and reference from The Parker Story, volume 2, page 452.

[edgarspencer]

This Parker has found a new home. :)



Congratulations, Corey. I'm willing to bet you're pretty excited.
Oh, and Thank you for letting me know my eyes haven't failed me. Brian, you don't need to apologize, just send me a bottle of good single malt.

[Dean Romig]

Not to be contradictory to any of my friends but Parker’s senior engraver in 1907 was William H. Gough, Harry’s son... and those look like Gough’s dogs IMHO.





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[Corey Barrette]

Not to be contradictory to any of my friends but Parker’s senior engraver in 1907 was William H. Gough, Harry’s son... and those look like Gough’s dogs IMHO.





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Let the debate ensue.

[Brett Hoop]

Congratulations on your unearthing of such a wonderful and special Parker. And many thanks for sharing it here with us.

[Jay Gardner]

Interesting the receiver and trigger guard have a very Art Deco design which seems way ahead of its time given the year of production. Given the uniqueness it’s hard to imagine the style wasn’t requested specifically.

[Bill Mullins]

Please view Figure 8.71, page 318, and Figure 16.65, page 702 of The Parker Story. Check dog on floor plate and ducks engraved on the sides and the distinct similarities of the two guns. This particular gun has a letter from Ron Kirby, Executive Director of the PGCA at that time, that states: “Parker notables, Phenix, Anschutz, Bannister, and Storm, worked on this gun”. Figure 11.2, page
452, (1908 picture) and Figure 11.29, page 479 of The Parker Story, Volume 2, indicates Frederick W. Anschutz, Senior Engraver. Anschutz was of German descent and was the go to engraver for deep relief and semi-deep relief engraving. The authors of The Parker Story were told in an interview with the late Robert P. “Bob” Runge, that his father Robert R. Runge shared a story with him that Parker Brothers thought Anschutz was devoting too much time on deep relief engraving in the 1905 - 1908, etc. time period. They requested him to do
less time consuming engraving. As one would expect deep relief engraving requires more metal to be removed. 😊

[Brian Dudley]

Congratulations, Corey. I'm willing to bet you're pretty excited.
Oh, and Thank you for letting me know my eyes haven't failed me. Brian, you don't need to apologize, just send me a bottle of good single malt.



Hey... coulda fooled me.

[Dave Noreen]

I thought it smacked of Gough when I first saw the pictures.

I take it from the text of the letter there was only Order Book information for this gun. No Stock Book.

[Corey Barrette]

Yep, six-iron crolle. Good eye Mark!

I had expected to see a DD stamp but couldn't see one.





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Dean, there is a D6 stamp on the barrel flats.

[Corey Barrette]

My best guess is, we are looking at the final D7 gun. Page 403 in Price & Fjestad’s serilization book.

Thanks. Here it is.

[Dean Romig]

Dean, there is a D6 stamp on the barrel flats.


Right Corey - to be expected, it represents 6-iron Damascus.





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[Channing Will]

What a great find! The link contains some additional info on Thad S. Sharretts. Says he had nine children. Maybe he bought this Parker for one of them as the engraved initials are not his?

https://books.google.com/books?id=OO8pAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA402&lpg=PA402&dq=thad+s.+sharretts+children&source=bl&ots=Au_00sFhZM&sig=k2xq7YP5hJ_x1WSN7D5xjJ0K0ZQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZgqSi1dneAhVE4YMKHalGAgQQ6AEwB3oECAQQA Q#v=onepage&q=thad%20s.%20sharretts%20children&f=false

[Corey Barrette]

What a great find! The link contains some additional info on Thad S. Sharretts. Says he had nine children. Maybe he bought this Parker for one of them as the engraved initials are not his?

https://books.google.com/books?id=OO8pAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA402&lpg=PA402&dq=thad+s.+sharretts+children&source=bl&ots=Au_00sFhZM&sig=k2xq7YP5hJ_x1WSN7D5xjJ0K0ZQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZgqSi1dneAhVE4YMKHalGAgQQ6AEwB3oECAQQA Q#v=onepage&q=thad%20s.%20sharretts%20children&f=false

Thanks for the info. From the Parker letter, posted previously, the gun was ordered with a gold plate on the pistol grip. This is the only difference found on the gun (or the leg o mutton case) from the letter. The cotton barrel slip was marked with C R Sharretts; matching the initials on the cap. It seems the gun may have been passed down to a child or other family member who made the switch.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

There are indeed several Parker Gun smiths that can make the repair of the original stock! I have to agree " What a great find" A discovery like this only happens rarely, Congrats, Gary

[William Woods]

Congratulations on a find that most of us could only dream of.