1904 Damascus Barrel Parker

[Gavin DeCapua]

Hello. I recently found a Parker Brothers shotgun while cleaning out a relatives attic. (along with other older firearms) I have a general idea of monetary value but so many factor help or hurt value that I would like some help really pin pointing actual value of my particular gun. I will describe as best I can and post a few pictures. The gun looks to be in very good shape. The gun has a serial number of 125888...it is stamped on numerous places on the gun...it has a number "2" stamped inside...along with the letter "G"...it is a 16 gauge...barrel length is 28 in...while total length is 44 in....the butt plate is original...and so is the other little plate....when I take the gun apart and look on the bottom of the barrel there is a 4 a D a 3 and a little 1 stamped. I will post some pics and would appreciate any input on exact value. Thanks in advance.

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i415/gavyde/DSCN0823.jpg
http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i415/gavyde/DSCN0822.jpg
http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i415/gavyde/DSCN0821.jpg
http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i415/gavyde/DSCN0818.jpg
http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i415/gavyde/DSCN0819.jpg

[Pat Dugan]

Six hundred to Twelve Hundred, hard to tell the real condition without better pictures.

PDD

[David Dwyer]

A lot depends upon the condition of the barrels

[Bill Murphy]

A 16 gauge Damascus GH is a very coveted gun among Parker collectors and shooters. The wood looks very good. If the barrels and bores are very good, the gun is worth around two thousand dollars. If the frame size designation on the bottom of the rear barrel lug is "0", that is a plus. If that is where the "1" is stamped, that's OK too.

[George Lander]

I'll side with Bill & Jent, two grand+ if the barrels are O.K.

Best Regards, George

[Gavin DeCapua]

OK....thanks. But what constitutes good barrels? They look good to me but I don't know what bad barrels look like.

[tom leshinsky]

The inside should be shiney and free of rust & pits. No dents and no rust on outside.

[George Lander]

Gavin: Good barrels will have no major dents, no major pitting in the bores, ribs will be tight & barrels will be on face with the breech. Take the forearm off and hold the barrels at the muzzle end. Shake them from side to side and if there is no movement between the barrels and the action they are probably on face. Disconnect the action and hold the barrels by the underlug hooked over one finger. Strike the barrels, lightly, with a piece of wood and if they ring like a bell then the ribs are probably tight. If you intend to shoot your gun, take it to a qualified double gunsmith and have him check it over and advise you as to the proper loads. It looks like you have a very nice G Grade Parker.

Best Regards, George

[Gavin DeCapua]

I appreciate everyone's input.

[John Dallas]

Hmmm. Killed my first duck near New Gretna, due west of Barnegat

[Rick Losey]

darn I need to get better relatives,

yours is just a couple hundred numbers off my 1904 16 bore #1 frame. Mine wears Remington Parker 1930's replacement barrels but I always figured the originals would have looked nice on it. You proved that.

[Gavin DeCapua]

I got real lucky. I was able to keep everything I found. I also have a nice Army/Navy English shotgun I found. I am a TOTAL novice when it comes to guns but I am enjoying the education I am obtaining online.

[Gavin DeCapua]

What about antique percussion pistols?

[George Lander]

Gavin: Antique percussion pistols, or any firearm made prior to 1898, is not cosidered to be a firearm by BATF so you should be O.K. with your pistol. I am not familiar with New Jersey Gun Laws. Someone else here may be, but I don't see that you have a problem with a muzzle loader.

As to you Army & Navy English gun, you might want to post on www.doublegunshop.com for more information. I have several Army & Navy CSL doubleguns an all are very well made medium quality sporting guns.

Best Regards, George