You didn't take it to a gunsmith. You took it to an idiot.

Join the PGCA and get a research letter on the gun so you can (hopefully) get some history on it.

If I'm reading the serial # correctly there ARE records available.

Based on the screw he installed on the guard and his advice on the barrels, My recommendation is to loose that “gunsmiths” number...

I can heartily attest to the skill of Mr. Dudley and his ability to right the wrongs on your VH. Send it to him for a extremely competent review.

A butcher with a chop saw.

The best advice I can give is never act on the first opinion when it comes to fine guns, such as a Parker.
Glad you checked in with the PGCA before proceeding on the first opinion.
Parker values thrive on originality. That should always be the first priority.
You're in good hands here.

Dave Fjelline of Lincoln, California is an extremely competent gunsmith. He specializes in Parkers exclusively. His turnaround time is fast and his workmanship is excellent. He has done work for me and I can attest to this. He's done work for Dean as well and Dean has spoken highly of him and referred Dave to me.
Dave's contact info is: 916-521-1334.

Thank you very much for the recommendation and contact info! I visited on the phone with Dave Fjelline yesterday, and I am shipping my gun to him this week to assess - and hopefully fix those dents in the barrel. Crossing my fingers...!

Good call

Many thanks to all for your help on this thread! Dave Fjelline completed the needed work on my Parker and it is wonderful shooting condition now - so very glad. He was incredible.

Quick question - is re-bluing the gun barrels something that forum members would recommend doing to this older 1901 model? If so, I would send it back to Dave to do it. Granted, my gun is one of the lower grade Parkers so resell value isn't the main driver in this case, but I'm unsure if rebluing the barrels and steel is a death sentence for a Parker or not. It would probably look nicer with it, but maybe old and uneven steel coloring is a better kind of beautiful on a Parker. Any thoughts?