I'll take more pics later this evening--I think it's a really nice example of an early Parker--Tight, clean bores ---looks like no one has messed with it. I've sent for a letter!

My own personal opinion is that it looks original and period. I would be surprised if it wasn't original. Ken

Silver won’t generally flake or peel like that, it wears to thin areas usually. I think it is nickel plated.





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Silver tarnishes, nickel will dull with time and peel easily when friction is applied, and chrome stays bright as long as it is not constantly exposed to the elements. Look at the grip area of the trigger guard, it appears as if the plating is starting to peel and rust along the edges.

Mike--here some additional pictures---http://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76652&stc=1&d=15699536 71http://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76653&stc=1&d=15699536 71http://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76654&stc=1&d=15699536 71http://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76655&stc=1&d=15699536 71http://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76656&stc=1&d=15699536 71

1877 Parker Question
 

More Picshttp://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76657&stc=1&d=15699540 37http://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76658&stc=1&d=15699540 37http://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76659&stc=1&d=15699540 37http://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76661&stc=1&d=15699540 37

I agree with the above comments, in that I'm sure it's nickel, and, like Ken, think it's original, or certainly it's been there a long time.

If it is silver I would expect the butt plate to be black with oxidation. I vote for nickel as many early firearms with it were plated to prevent rust.

Just my poor $0.02 contribution.

I can't wait to see the letter, Tom.

If memory serves correct chrome plating did not get invented until the late 20's, so its either Nickle or Silver plate. If it smells of sulfur its silver plate.