The forend iron has to be there or it wouldn't be staying together in the first pic where it's resting on the blue tote.

Unless the cocking hook won't release from the barrels, which may be why it was taken apart in the first place.

BINGO... I'll bet that's it... maybe.

You can. Just the iron can be attached as long as the swivel key is in place.

What is a "swivel key"?

The small part that is pinned into the Forend iron that actually engages the forend loop on the barrels. It is what holds the forend onto the gun. It is engaged by the latch and is held back into the loop by the spring pressure from the latch.

Oh, the 'Deely style' latch. I get it now.... just different nomenclatures.

Larry, the barrels by themselves have value that would preclude being cut up for the steel. Altering or modifying them will destroy that value. That includes some of the common "Cowboy" modifications/mutilations of shortening them or opening and reaming the chamber mouths. Have someone that can properly evaluate a Parker look at the gun. I am sure we would have volunteers from this assoc. that would be willing to do that, if you post what area you are in. Restore it, sell it, or display it as a conversation piece, but please don't destroy it.

As I said before - muzzleloader barrels are a good and historically correct source for pipe tomahawk head material

Larry- check your PMs

I don't plan on destroying it. I'm leaning toward restoring it. I'm in Baltimore Maryland.