Hello, just picked up a Parker from an Aunt who's father hunted with me. He passed away and no one else hunts in their family. Gun has been repaired at the barrels, cannot tell the caliber, under side is stamped patented Nov. 19, 1866. Very poor condition right now, I'm planning on cleaning it up myself. Any suggestions?

Looks similar to the photo's posted above, will look for serial numbers another day.

Hi Anthoy,
I'm not much of a hunter. The gun I have was givin to us almost 40 years ago and I have never fired it. Only thing I have done is clean it with oil and wipe it down. There are a few restoration people out there that may be able to make it look new again but it will cost you. I would be interested in the serial number on the gun. That would tell you when the gun was made. Most all parkers have the same pat no. Nov 19 1866 on it. Mine was made in 1874 and has had the double barrel replaced. Parker made a great gun. Stay in touch.

Spoke with Gary earlier via email, I was given a similar gun from an Aunt of mine. Do not see any caliber maybe a 12ga. the serial no. is 4741 and has 30" barrels. Wondering if anyone can help with information or any other sites to visit. I was told by a gun collector not to do anything to the gun but clean it.

Looks like your gun was made in 1875. If it looks like mine it would be a 12 ga Under Lifter hammer with a length of 30 inches. My barrel was Laminated steel and used the Quality 0and Quality 1 gun. Since my barrel was replaced it is now a Damascus Barrel. Your gun is one of the older parkers. Congrads on your recent gift. Not much help with any other sites. I found this site about the best one out there.

My Early lifter
 

I have an early lifter also very similar. It is B3081 and pictures below.
Mine is Damascus and not twist. I thought the B's were all Damascus, but evidently not.
[IMG]http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/DSC_0006-1.JPG[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/DSC_00086.JPG[/IMG]

B 3083
 

I have B3083. It like many other 3000 serial range guns now has a fore end latch and rebounding hammers. My B 3291 has a fore end "bow tie" checking pattern like 3081, but 3083 has three equal size diamonds in the checking.
The 2000 - 5000 serial range may be the most interesting part of Parker evolution. It appears that King revolution ized many things during that period.

Best, Austin

Generally speaking Damascus barrels were the standard on Grade 2 and above but there must be a serial number beginning point that Austin probably can tell us.

The three point forend checkering (bow tie) is also the standard for the Grade 2 guns and the small center points were to allow for the forend key. The three equally sized points, I believe, were introduced along with the Deely style latch.

Austin, my 3081B has rebounding Hammers also. Is yours a straight grip also?

Hey Gary, after further review of the Parker I found the serial no. T4741, not sure if that helps any. I also received a single shot 12 ga. "JANNEY, SEMPLE, HILL & CO" MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. You have to remove a pin to take the barrel off, the butt plate says; MOHAWK GUN CO. serial no. 3102. Just cleaning them,wondering if anyone may have additional information about these guns?????