Great information,
Thank you to all.
My idea of fun would be to get to know this old gun as I have gotten to know an old tractor I use. It has its characteristics and quirks, the way it sounds and handles means something to me. No one can just jump on it and expect to get it started and run flawlessly.
I expect the Parker is the same way - incredible craftsmanship - but also requires the respect it deserves to perform as it is capable of.

You're absolutely correct Clark. To own and shoot a Parker we form a special relationship with them and respect for the craftsmen who made these fine sxs's.

Another question :)
What does “overload” mean
Stamped under the barrels
Apparently by someone else
Does not look very professional

This? The Parker Bros. Overload Proved stamp first appeared about 1925

https://photos.smugmug.com/US-Makers...926%20DH-L.jpg

A Parker Service and Proof Load table was published in the 1930s and reproduced in the The Parker Story p. 515.
12g 2 3/4” shell service pressure was listed as 10,500 psi.
Definitive proof used 7.53 Drams Black Powder and 2 oz. shot with a pressure of 15,900 psi. The pressure was no doubt measured using LUP and modern transducer values would be 10-14% higher, or more than 17,500 psi.

LTC Calvin Goddard reported the same numbers in “Army Ordnance”, 1934. He wrote that Parker followed the SAAMI standards of that period: 13,700 psi proof, 9500 psi service for 2 5/8” chamber; 15,900 psi proof, 10,500 psi service for 2 3/4” chamber (by LUP) + 10-14% for modern transducer measurement.

Yes
This shows up on my second Parker
A 1928 12 ga
I still don’t plan to use anything other than the lights rounds :)
Thank you

pardon my attempts to upload picture - not as easy as drag it over !Attachment 130437

maybe this worked!
now my questions
is this a 2 grade ? meaning weight?
and the rest of the markings?
I really appreciate the patience of the members
Happy New Year

A 2 frame 12 gauge with unstruck barrel weight of 3 pounds, 15 ounces.

Good Morning,
Would there be a reason not to use the AA shells?
They appear to be a very light load. I have used
Would appreciate a comparison of the two.
Thank You !

This is old independent testing data. Winchester declines to share pressure data. FPS and PSI

AA ‘Low noise Low recoil’ 15/16 oz. AA12FL 980 6,200
Old AACF Xtra-Lite 1 oz. WAAL12 1,190 8,000
New AAHS Xtra-Lite Target 1 oz. AAL12 1,180 8,760
Old AA 3 Dr. Eq. 1 1/8 oz. Trap WW12AAP 1,200 9,600
Super-Target 1 oz. TRGTL12 1,200 10,440
Super Sport Sporting Clays 1 1/8 oz. AASC12 1,360 11,660

IMHO if barrels are unsafe with 1 oz. at 1200 fps loads, they are unsafe.

It looks like then the AA low noise are ok?
They’re available locally to me for about $17 a box