I would like to thank everyone for the great advice.

I'm going to play it safe and just have it cleaned. It does have a damaged barrel (right barrel, at the end, misshapen due to being dropped, perhaps?)

I remember the gunsmith (Vince Capon, of Fayette Gun Shop, who came highly recommended locally) noted a few other small issues, but I can't remember the specifics. He was able to determine it was an earlier model but suggested appraisal/assessment with a parker expert before taking any action.

Regardless, I'll contact Brian and follow up with him to go over options as far as cleaning/care is concerned.

Everyone has been fantastic on this journey through our family history so far and I can't wait to see where it leads!

Thanks again,

Jim

Hi Brian,
I came across what I think is a first year production Parker SxS 12 ga (s/n 287) that is almost identical to the gun referred to in this thread. Same markings in all the same places, just 287 instead of 166.

It needs some love to get it back to life. I’ll need to heal the cracked stock, which is something I can handle. More concerning is that the left hammer holds at half cock but will not hold at full cock. I'm looking for any insights about what may the issue and how complicated it might be to correct that issue.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can share. I can post pictures if you want them.

Bill

What you list in this note makes more sense because they are repairs, not modifications. I would include the barrel ding, as it should be a relatively straight forward repair.
These guns are rare as they made so few of them. Many active collectors have not added one to their collection due to the inability to find a nice original gun. The gun will likely use value if you do a refinish to the wood and metal. In that vein, it may be advisable to at least get a quote on repairing the cracked stock because it is important to make the repair while altering the finish as little as possible.

Also keep in mind that these first model gun were not as robustly designed, in my opinion, as the future models. They are completely serviceable when held to the pressure levels for which they were designed, but probably more than the others if subjected to higher pressure loads. Use light 2-1/2" loads such as RST and you should enjoy it for years. Have the barrels checked by a knowledgeable smith.

Jim, Dan Cullity in Sandwich, mass can fix your barrel. Or larry DelGrego too for that matter

Larry DelGrego is deceased.





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I did not know that Dean. When did he pass and what was the cause

https://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=42132


Here is a thread where you commented Allen about his passing…. I know there are others too.

Thanks Brian.





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Brian, my memory is unfortunately fading these days

Restoration: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored, such as a bringing back to a former position or condition.

Conservation: a careful preservation and protection of something.

Preservation: the act, process, or result of preserving something, such as the activity or process of keeping something valued alive, intact, or free from damage or decay.

These terms tend to be used interchangeably or even the same meaning, but they are each very different. Especially in how we tend to historical, vintage, or artifact firearms.