I can see the Damascus pattern pretty easily and it is my opinion it has never been blued. I believe the darkness of the barrels is simply caused by more than a century of old crud and rust. I would be concerned however, and (if you ever intend to shoot it) besides having the barrels checked by an expert, is to have the stock repaired professionally as there are a few serious fractures in it at the wrist and stock head. Nice old Parker, in any case.

Family heirloom
 

John,
Very sorry to hear of your loss.
I looked at the photos of your shotgun on picasa.
I think it looks in very nice condition. I would keep it in the family.
I just purchased one very similar, the bores on mine are quite pitted
plus the lock-up is a little loose. I will not be shooting mine but that's
ok with me. In the past I sold a high grade D.M. Lefever shotgun and
have regretted it ever since. Just food for thought. Thanks for sharing
the photos of your Parker grade 2 lifter.

Kind regards,
Jeff Bonadurer


"There's no substitute for experience."

By chance, is this the gun at Albrights in Easton MD?