New member, general questions

[Bryan Clarke]

Hi all,

New to the forum - have loved reading all of the helpful info in these threads!

I was just entrusted with a Parker handed down from my grandfather, and was hoping to confirm what I’ve tried to determine by poking around. Pictures included below.

I’ve placed this as a Trojan 12 ga on a size 2 frame, manufactured in 1920. I’ve seen a few people ask about the OV stamp and haven’t seen a definitive answer. Any info appreciated, especially if I’ve misinterpreted.

I shoot regularly - clays and quail and an occasional pheasant tower hunt. Is having lower end Parker like this refurb’d to look more like the day it was made a big faux pas? I don’t care about resale value - guns are to be kept in my book.

[Dean Romig]

The mean ing of the OV stamp is unknown but we know that it is only stamped on the Trojan models.
Wish we could tell you more.





.

[Bryan Clarke]

Pictures attached now

[Rick Roemer]

In my opinion, if the plan is to keep it in the collection of your own and it belonged to your grandfather- do what you want. Having it professionally restored is an option, leaving alone is also an option. I have guns that don’t look great but I still enjoy carrying and I’ve had a few refurbished -do what you want, it’s nice to have something from a past family member-you can’t buy that. Join the PGCA!

[Brian Dudley]

The forend wood on the gun is not original. It would have been a splinter originally.

[Bill Murphy]

That gun would be a great candidate for a full restoration. It may be an easy restoration that would return most of its cost in added value. Shop around.

[Mike Poindexter]

You have a nice early Trojan with the faux dolls head rib extension. However, I respectfully disagree with Murph's assessment above. From what I've seen, and been quoted on similar projects, having the barrels properly refinished would be $4 to $500, having the rest of the metal stripped, cleaned recased and reassembled properly would be another $800 to $1000. Having a new proper fore end made, checkered, fitted and finished another $500, and the buttstock checkering recut and stock refinished with a proper buttplate would be at least $500. So, probably $2500 for a complete restoration from reputable sources. You would be lucky to get $2000 for it as restored IMHO.

That said, it looks like a great shooter as is, especially with your grandfather's provenance. Clean it up gently and use it with appreciation . Just my thoughts.

[Dean Romig]

I would at least have a proper splinter forend made. That beavertail forend will likely eventually pop the forend lug from the barrels because it allows too much force to be applied to remove the forend and that lug is only soldered on.
A special tool is available for the quick and easy removal of the forend without applying too much force.






.

[Russ Jackson]

I agree with what Dean said ,with one exception ,I would watch E Bay or advertise here on our site for an original used forend ,should be cheaper than having one made and easy to fit ! With the exception of a few Twist Steel Barreled Trojans, all of the 12 Gauge Trojan Grades were #2 Frames with Extractors so you don't need to worry about getting the ejectors fit etc. ! Again ,just my opinion but the wood is pretty readily available if you spend a little time searching for it ! Enjoy your New Parker !

[Jim DiSpagno]

Looks like one on eBay now. Pics not so good but it looks like one

[edgarspencer]

The mean ing of the OV stamp is unknown but we know that it is only stamped on the Trojan models.
Wish we could tell you more.
.

I have never owned a Trojan, but have looked at many, and I do not recall ever seeing one without the OV stamp. This mark is in the location, both on barrels, and frames, where grade is marked on all other guns, so, while I'm only speculating, I believe this was a Parker Brothers designation for Trojan guns.
Page 246 in TPS makes reference to this.

[Dean Romig]

Oh I don't disagree with you Edgar - We know that is how Parker Bros. identified the Trojans, but the question remains, what does OV mean? Why not simply stamp them with a TR or a TRO ??

I would Love to find, or anyone find, an explanation of what the letters OV stand for.





.

[Russ Jackson]

Dean ,do you suppose it could be the barrel finish and steel ,is the barrel steel actually Vulcan with less fit and finish ? O for Trojan ,V ,Vulcan barrel designated for the Trojan Grade ??? My Twist Barreled Trojan does not have the OV but is stamped T X ! And of course we figure T for Twist Steel and again who knows why the X !!!!!

[edgarspencer]

:eek::eek:Oh I don't disagree with you Edgar.:eek::eek:

Here's a thought, I wonder if it's OV, or 0V ? 0, being the lowest grade, so maybe 'lower than V' ?

[Dean Romig]

I had considered that Edgar and I went so far as to suggest that possibility jn a previous discussion. Nobody picked up on it but that doesn’t mean it can’t be.

But as you suggest, is it a 0 or an O ?
The workers at PB were pretty conscientious in their number and letter stamping, sooo…

So I think we all should look more closely tk be certain about which die was used.





.