The "value" of this gun is two-fold. First, as a testimony to its long life as well as some previous owner's concept of "enhancement." Many American double guns from the 20th Century carry such handiwork. They are artifacts of times past.

This does not mean the gun lacks function. It will still perform well with moderate ammunition.

But the real value of this gun is that it was your father's. Even if simply by his purchase one day in the past. He saw worth in it. And as a piece of your father's memory, I'd say the gun has special value...

Shooter
 

If you like it, use it. What is the actual serial number?
It is a Remington gun, undoubtedly.
While it may not be a beauty, what could you buy better new for the price he probably paid? Nothing.

This Parker got in the wrong hands of a real hack of an engraver,not very classy to me. J.J.

Looks like and electric pencil job. If not too deep I would have it polished out and recolored or browned with barrel browner and rubbed down to give it a used look. I do it alot with old tools that are rusted/pitted and it looks more natural than a bright surface. My buddy just did it on a 76 Winchester that someone had taken sandpaper to and it looks great with the "worn" brown patina.

if this gun was my fathers it would be priceless...charlie

I agree Charlie, I would stop and think about him every time I picked the gun up, It obviously meant a lot to him, every man is an artist in his on right, Gary