Need all the info I can get!

[jlosbourne]

E.D Parker double barrel with hammer, serial # reveals 1881 as year of manufacture. Grade G with overall barrel length of 23 3/4 inches. Forearm serial number does not match the numbers on the receiver and barrel which do match. Should it be the same on the forearm? The top of the barrel rib has an inscription that partially reads 'E. D. Parker London ___________'. We can not make out the next word or words. Possibly 'Fine_ _mas_ _'. The over all condition of the gun is good. It does not have Damascus barrels. Attached is a photo of the numbers and symbols on the barrels. What do these mean? I hope someone can me out here! Thanks in advance!

[Dave Suponski]

This is not a Parker Bros./Meriden CT shotgun. It is an English gun made as a knockoff and sold to the trade.Sorry..

[Jay Gardner]

Most of the markings are English proof marks significating that the gun would withstand being shot. Google English Proof Marks and you'll get a directory of what they mean. It's probably an English gun, not a Parker Bros Parker. The barrels probably are damascus, just well worn (or someone has blued over them).

[jlosbourne]

If this gun weren't an E. D. Parker, why does it have a matching serial # on the Parker website?

When you say 'cutoff barrels', do you mean that literally? They aren't cutoff, they are made this way??

[jlosbourne]

I did not mean to come across as sounding not nice. I am asking because I do want the info and I am not messing with anyone......promise!!!

[Dean Romig]

Mr. jlosbourne,

The gentlemen who responded to your original post have been collecting and shooting shotguns (made by Parker Bros. in Meriden, CT and later, Parker shotguns by Remington in Ilion, NY) for many years and do indeed know their Parker shotguns. Yours is, as has been stated, not one of the Parkers made in America. Yours was made in Britain or Belgium and was likely shipped here (in numbers) in the hope that the importer could capitalize on the good name of Parker Bros. The fact that the serial number appears in the "Serialization Book" is nothing more than coincidence. I could make up a five or six digit number and in all likelihood that number might also appear in the book. Yours might be in nice condition but you would be advised not to attempt to shoot it without first having a qualified gunsmith, extremely well versed in old European doubles, examine it for safe shooting.
Enjoy it for what it is but know it is not a Parker Bros. shotgun - the object of our affection.

[jlosbourne]

Thank you for your kind response! Would you have any idea's about the value of the gun I have?

[Robin Lewis]

Here is one http://www.gundersonmilitaria.com/shotguncartparkerenglandGmG.html for $275. That may be a bit high for the condition IMHO.