New to Forum Qustions About My Shotgun

[John Nowak]

Attached are some pictures for reference. I found this site as I was searching the internet for information on Parker Brother's shotguns. My grandmother gave me this one many years ago. Based on the serial number, it appears to have been manufactured in 1898. Where I get confused is in deciphering the other marks. This is a hammerless 12 ga with Damascus barrels. The barrels weight 3-10 and the frame size is 1 1/2, per the marks. The barrels also have a C and D stamped on them. Do these marks mean anything?

I am also confused in the grade. There is a 2 stamped above the serial number and a G stamped below. Dies this mean it is a 2GH shogun? Since it is hammerless, should it have a GH stamp instead of just a G?

I have not tried to polish or deep clean this gun as I was advised many years ago to not do that. Is this correct advice? The gun is not perfect as it has been used. Likely used a lot based on family history.

[MattHaney]

Welcome! According to the Parker serialization book, your gun is indeed a GH grade (which is the same as Grade 2 -- Parker used a parallel letter/number system.) that left the factory with 28" damascus barrels and a pistol grip stock. So the G and 2 are really redundant.

The D on the barrel flats is for Damascus barrels. The C is not known. As you already correctly identified, the 3 with the superscript 10 tells you the barrels had an unstruck (not completely finished) weight of 3 pounds, 10 ounces. The 1 1/2 on the bottom of the lug does represent the frame size. The 1 1/2 was a common size for 12 ga guns.

Have fun with that family heirloom! ---Matt

[John Nowak]

Matt,

Thank you for the response. I appreciate the info. I have shot this gun before and enjoyed it. However, I have not shot it since due to the Damascus barrels. I would like to find a set of steel barrels so I can enjoy it again. This gun just seems to fit me pretty well.

[charlie cleveland]

we shoot damascus barrels a lot I have several guns with Damascus and twist and stub twist barrels with no problems...have your barrels checked by a qualified gun smith..if its ok then shoot it a lot....charlie

[Mike Koneski]

I echo Charlie’s comments. Have someone who knows double guns look it over. If the barrels are good then have fun.