John, if you send me the serial number of your C hammer gun, I'll check the records.

the plating is very old not unlike old colt peace makers from the 1880s

another nickel plated hammer gun
 

Here are a few pictures of a Parker 12 Gauge Hammer gun I purchased at the Vintage Cup a couple of years ago. It is entirely nickel plated, barrels and all. Even the Butt plate screws are completely plated. The engraving is very sharp; I suspect the gun was plated either when it was built, or soon after. There is substantial wear and corrosion on some parts, like the bottom of the action where it was carried. There is no mention in the Parker records that it was done at the factory, but it certainly was not buffed as the engraving is sharp on done. The only parts not plated are the springs.

If someone can assist in how to post a photo, I can post a few, thanks.

Here are the photos I promised, courtesy Greg Baehman.

Bruce, Your gun looks to be in remarkable condition. As for the checkering, there are variations in checkering than the standard, who knows what Parker would do for special order? David

I know it's fun to think Parker nickel plated these guns, and a lot of people are trying really hard to agree with that, but in the absence of any solid proof....it was done by someone else. When these guns were 5 years old there were nickel plating shops all over the place that could have easily done it at the request of a gunsmith. That's what you are obligated to presume in the absence of any other evidence.

Here are a couple pics of a grade 3 lifter, serial #17859. It too has the plating. The mounted hammers are replacements awaiting appropriate engraving. The single hammer is original

I agree in some ways Mike. Unless there is factory records or strong evidence to suppor, it has to be assumed that it is not factory. Absolutely no offense to anyone here, but Sometimes it is easy to defend something that is just not correct by saying it is a special order. But then again, sometimes it is. In the absense of proof, one can only acknowledge that it is not normal.

I wonder how much it would cost to send one off today and have it nickel plated.

I don't believe they left the factory with the plating. If they had I think there would be evidence or mention of it somewhere in the record. My friends gun, which I pictured, is just another unusual Parker with a story lost somewhere in the past. But he loves it and wouldn't part with it.