Parker Double Barrel Shotgun ID?

[JasonDaily]

This is from my dad's collection, who collected U.S. Civil War items. He has it listed as "Parker Bros. Shotgun" in his notes, but I don't know anything about it. The "Parker" on it looks cruder than others and it is missing Bros. so I'm not sure if this is from that company, or if it is, if the other part wore off because it is old. Any info you could give me on it would be appreciated, as well as what it's worth if possible.

Here's all the pictures on Google photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/R7k9LXRjbC5ds3aL6

[Dean Romig]

You are correct in that it is not a Parker Bros shotgun made in Meriden CT.





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[Brian Dudley]

I believe these Parker percussion shotguns were english made. They pop ip from time to time on here. Parker Brothers of Meriden, CT never made muzzleloading shotguns.

[todd allen]

Whatever it is, it is a pretty cool old shotgun. Probably not a shooter, but would be considered wall art.
It would look great over a fireplace.

[Drew Hause]

It appears to be of higher quality than the usual Belgian 'knock-off' Parkers

William Parker was a gunmaker from 1790 until 1840 and one of the forerunners of Parker, Field & Sons, High Holborn, London, 1841-1876

If you'd like to confirm, remove the forend and dismount the barrels. I suspect you'll find Birmingham proof marks on the breech end of the barrels.

[Arthur Shaffer]

I have a few English and higher grade Belgian percussion guns. THis one looks a little odd to me. The shape of the breechblock and the rear part of the barrel contour look different from any I have seen. It is possible it is an older flintlock that has been converted to percussion. It was common for this to be done in the 1840 era. I have a high grade Manton that was converted.

One thing I find odd is that there are no safety/blowout plugs at the breeches. These were pretty much standard for any muzzle loading gun by decent or better European/British makers.

[JasonDaily]

It appears to be of higher quality than the usual Belgian 'knock-off' Parkers

William Parker was a gunmaker from 1790 until 1840 and one of the forerunners of Parker, Field & Sons, High Holborn, London, 1841-1876

If you'd like to confirm, remove the forend and dismount the barrels. I suspect you'll find Birmingham proof marks on the breech end of the barrels.

How would I got about doing that? Just remove that big pin in the stock?

[Brian Dudley]

Pull the ram rod and the wedge key and the barrels lift out.

[JasonDaily]

Pull the ram rod and the wedge key and the barrels lift out.

Ok, thanks! I'll give that a try when I'm over at my mom's this weekend and post the results.

[JasonDaily]

Sorry it took so long for pictures! It does appear to have British proof marks from my one minute Google search.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Jax6kgvdpqXpzWhy5

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aUMCgGogrwELKTtN7

[Rick Losey]

You are correct

Birmingham proofs. There were several Parkers making guns there dating back to the late 1700s Modest quality guns better than the Belgium knockoffs

The Belgium pieces are common enough that the assumption tends to fall that way

[JasonDaily]

So there's nothing specific enough with the markings to tell which Parker made it?

[Drew Hause]

Birmingham proof marks 1868-1875. Unfortunately no maker's mark.

[JasonDaily]

Ok, any opinion on what it would be worth? This isn't one I will be keeping.

[Mike Franzen]

I would say its dollar value is less than its sentimental value. Put it on gun broker with those photos and start it at a penny. Someone may buy it for what it’s worth to them.

[JasonDaily]

It has zero sentimental value... :rotf: That would be his tools, which I have.