Mark - the more you post the more we like it, what a waterfowling piece that is.

I hope you get a chance to take a bird or two with it

As for the stock, there would be a serial number under the trigger guard tang if it is a Parker stock-- just make sure whoever looks has properly fitting screwdrivers and knows what they are doing

Rick,

I just took the PB to my local gun shop and while they don't handle Parker Bros much, they did confirm that the stock does not have a serial number underneath the trigger guard tang. Does this mean that the stock has been replaced? If it has should I find a replacement stock?

Mark - a replacement is a replacement - still won't be the original, that is not a bad looking piece of wood.

Brian is much more the expert on stock than almost anyone else here. before you do anything with it- talk to him or maybe some one like Brad Balchelder. Stock work is not cheap but that gun is so great, anything you do must be done correctly by someone who really knows Parkers, maybe some of the cosmetics can be improved.

i just wish I could see that one in action in a duck blind.

Mark: I believe I have its twin that came out of the Fergas Falls Minn. area. It is a 34 inch 5 frame 10 ga. That weighs a tad more than yours. I believe those Minnesota boys were a serious bunch of waterfowlers back in the day. Thomas

Whether the stock is original, or not, it looks right as rain. If the hammers are original to the gun, they should have either the entire serial number, or the last 3 digits, on the back of them, but, they too, look correct.
I'm not sure I'd do much, if anything, to the gun s it looks to be in solid, good condition.

I agree, the gun looks fine and I wouldn't change anything. Just shoot it!! David

I can see that old gun sitting alongside its owner in a blind on the St. Croix river in days of yore. Quite a piece to have in the family. There are a lot of guys on this site that would be in hog heaven adding it to their already large collections. It certainly fills in a gap in what is still needed.

Hammers can always be replaced to be made correct.
The only real issues with the non-original stock is form. The fit looks to be good from what I see. The shape of the panels around the lock plates, the grip and comb are not correct. The checkering is all wrong. And if you look close, there is no spur on that original 3 frame buttplate. These would all have spurs on the early guns.
All of these mentioned issues can be corrected.

Of course, all this takes noting away from it being a perfectly usable Parker.

Brian - Assuming your observations are correct, which I don't doubt they are, can I still get a letter of authencity from Parker Brothers for my Parker in it's current state? If not, how much would the replacement stock and hammers cost and how much value would it add to the gun?
Thanks - Mark

Of course you can. Providing the PGCA has records on your gun. Go to the home page and put in your serial number under the research letter section.
Joining the PGCA will give you a much worth while discounted rate on a research letter.

If you want a quote from me regarding repairs on your gun, please feel free to contact me directly.