Dee, do you have any idea if your grandfather bought this gun new? That was a pretty expensive gun for the day. I can't imagine where it sat to get in the condition it is now. I inherited my mothers 20ga Parker that is at about the top of my list of prized possessions. That little 1908 Colt .25 is a nice gun. We have one in our family. They're worth quite a lot actually.

I really don't have much background on this gun. When everything happened, I just packed everything and brought it home. I just recently started going through things, and that is when I found the name on the Parker and looked it up. I'm sorry I don't have many facts for you :(

I for the life of me can't see the pictures of the other guns? confused again yup ch

I'd be more than happy to post pics of the other guns, but again I didn't want to be posting pictures of unrelated Parker items and upset anyone. I'm new to this kind of thing and didn't want to overstep. :)

Dee
Please go ahead and post the pictures. There are a lot of guys on this site that have interest and knowledge of guns other than Parkers
David

The other rifles and shotgun I will have to take pictures of when I get home. Thanks again to everyone here for your expertise, knowledge and overall support. I appreciate each and every one of you!
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Hello Dee: The first picture if of a Colt Model 1911 A-1 Government Model made in the 1970's but non-military issue, It looks to be in very nice shape and is valued at $700 - $1,000. The second is what's called a "Baby Browning" caliber .25 auto made by Fabrique Nationale of Liege, Belgium and shoud be valued at $250 - $300.

Best Regards, George

Thank you for the information! The condition is great compared to my Great Grandpa's Parker..lol. My dad was obsessive about keeping his guns immaculate, so I'm thankful for that. I missed chatting with everyone today....the forum has been quiet. Must say you guys gave me purpose and excitement for the last few days.....thanks guys!

Dee: Thank you for the very interesting pictures of your family and the Parker and other guns. I'm not sure but this thread has lasted longer than other ones i believe. It could be a record so we shouldn't stop now. thanks again. Have A Great Day. Thomas L. Benson Sr.

That BEAUTIFUL SMILE keeps US going back for more ! :) Hey I still think we should restore that gun.

Ok......now I'm blushing :) I would LOVE nothing more than to restore it and bring it back to life, but right now my budget with handling 3 estates, lawyer, wills, and all others fees associated with it (multiplied by 3) it will just have to wait. I'm just going to keep it put away in my gun safe and admire it every once in a while until all this calms down a little bit. I cant wait for the rush of maybe one day taking it out and shooting that old Parker and experience what my elders did. That will be a high no one could replace!

I just spoke with Mr. Chadick and I must say....what a wonderful person to talk to!

That being said, he said per the description of the damage and age, it is hard to guage, but a general estimate of restoration will be $3000-$5000 and that is playing with many factors. He asked for me to bring it to him when I could and he would look at it as well as get his guy to look at repairing the stock.

I wanted to say thank you again to everyone who has commented, given advice, and talked me through this wonderful experience. All of you are a true blessing and please know that I appreciate each and every one of you!:bigbye:

Dee, whatever you plan to do with your Parker, remember above anything else - it is a piece of family history - an heirloom that you should treasure.

Good Luck and may God bless you.

I'm thinking at this point....have someone build me a beautiful shadowbox and hang it on my wall for everyone to see as they walk into my home next to a picture of Great Grandpa Durham. But I'm not gonna lie....it would be one heck of a rush to restore it and be able to shoot that old Parker just as he did. One day maybe, but for now I will just look at it and cherish it.

Dee,

Thanks for sharing all of the old pictures you have posted. Glad to hear the conversation with Mr. Chadick went well with you too. Be sure to come back to tell us how you made out and what it said on the Parker Research letter when you get it back from Mark Conrad. It may have interesting information where and when your great grampa bought the Parker so you can add to your current family research you are already doing. In addition, it would look nice in a frame next to your great grandfather's picture and Parker Gun.

You are very welcome and I definately will keep all of ya'll posted on my Parker adventure! As soon as the letter comes in, I will update everyone. :)

:corn: No letter yet ?What happened to ya ?:corn:

Dee, I'm sure no one would object if you posted some of the information you have already obtained on the great little gun. By the way, the shadowbox idea is a great one if you are going to keep the gun.

Sorry I haven't updated you guys in a bit....sadly my mother passed away March 9th and I have been a bit overwhelmed lately. I sent off for my letter this past Monday, so hopefully I will have something for you soon. Again, sorry for the delay in updating, and thank you to everyone for your continued interest in my old Parker.

Dee: Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. We will keep you and her in our prayers, It's hard, I know, but time and God have a way of healing broken hearts. I sincerely hope that you recieve some great news in your research letter.

Best Regards, George

Dee, I'm so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Life kicks hard sometimes. I know you'll never get over it but in time you'll get through it. May God bless you and comfort you.

Thank you all so very much for your condolences. Its been a very difficult year for me losing both of my grandparents and Dad last year and now mom. With gods grace I will get through.

Dee, If you ever want to talk about any shooting or pistols you are shooting I don't think anybody would care. Got me some Glaser PowRball 380 for my LCP hope they feed smooth there supposed to got a hollow point filled with a plastic ball. You must feel mighty lonely since your parents passed read your Bible helps me. ch

It is definitely lonely and scary all in one. I'm only 34 and confused as to how to come to terms with losing my parents so early. Time will make it managable just not easier I guess

I'm sorry to learn of yet another loss for you Dee. If it's any help, you're not alone. I lost my father and one of my favorite uncles within 3 months of each other last year. At 36, I thought I had more time with them as well. Not long after my father's passing, I adopted a 4 yr old black lab. He was probably the best therapy I could have asked for. I'm certain you're in many prayers this evening.

Marcus

You know.....I've been contemplating getting myself and my girls a puppy to keep us busy and redirect our love to a faithful companion. Just haven't been able to settle on what to look for. But of course my thoughts are all over the board right now. I've thought of a Bassett Hound all the way to a German Shepherd lol. I did come across a Bloodhound rescue here locally but not sure of the breed and care for them. I will keep looking and know when the time is right, it'll happen. I appreciate all of the words of encouragement and sympathy. You guys are the best!

On a more upbeat note.......I just got a new S&W 9mm and a Taurus 45. Once everything calms down a bit, I'm looking forward to going to the range and getting a little bit of "gun therapy" in. Also, next weekend I will be going turkey hunting for the first time, so I'm really looking forward to it. Any tips and tricks you guys can give to the new kid?

First off, let me suggest a Lab as a great family dog - they're a lot of fun and love kids... and they can be really good pheasant flushers and retrievers.

I'd recommend you get your first turkey advice from the people you hunt with but always take a head shot on them. Body shots are often crippling shots on turkeys.

I've thought about getting a lab, but I don't know the first thing about training it for hunting. That and I've never pheasant hunted before either. I love the outdoors and shooting, so once everything calms down, I think I am going to try my hand at just about every kind of hunting I can think of. I know for me, deer hunting is very relaxing and calming so I look forward to trying new things and occupying my time.

Even if you never use a dog for hunting a Lab is still a perfect family dog.

Hello Dee-enjoy your postings greatly!
 

Firstly, my sympathies on the losses of your dear family members. Time may not always heal the wounds of such a loss- I can still close my eyes and picture my best two buddies from HS- both are buried in Arlington and their names are on the Black Wall in DC. I was one of the lucky ones-

I am an avid waterfowler, tried turkey hunting last April with a private land senior license here in MI-and got "beginner's luck" took a Jake with a head shot at 35 paces mid-morning 19th of April 2010. He and two hens walked right up to my "hide" and I used my tight choked 12 LC Smith 32" F&F- No. 6 paper Rem express in both tubes- he never knew what hit him-- here are some reasons why I 'got lucky" at least, IMO-if they help you, well enuf!

(1) I have been waterfowling and shooting woodchucks, crows and pigeons on that private farm for 25 years, know every square inch of the land.
(2) I had scouted for several days, when scoping the fields for woodchucks, and had seen turkeys in a going to water pattern from the picked corn fields and the hard woods- remember, oaks mean- deer, turkeys, squirrels and wood ducks!
I got their early and was in full camo- like I use for crow shooting- the old sniper's mantra- No rattle, No shine- also-- "every deer thinks a hunter not moving is a stump-- every turkey thinks every stump in the woods is a hidden hunter- their eyesight and depth perception/sense of motion is akin to Superman's X-ray vision-- have your shotgun positioned where you expect the bird to come from, less motion, better- and remove any sling when you get to your hide-out, so it won't catch in the brush at a critical moment of truth.
(3) pattern your gun and know it like a soldier knows his rifle- if the safety catch clicks, get that silenced before you go out. If you shoot a choke tubed gun, make sure the choke of your choice is solidly in place in the muzzle-
(4) If you don't know how to call- Don't- I call very little for waterfowl, none at all for turkeys- I hunt like a sniper- 100% concealment, 100% confidence in my choice of weapon and knowlege of its killing range and patterning potential-

Lastly, I am also an avid pistolman- mainly Colts- both wheelies and the great 1911-A-1 .45 ACP. I have a "Statie" for a close neighbor, so I get to shoot on their qual course several times a year by invite-:bigbye::cool:

Fantastic advice!!! I will take it, use and see what happens :) Thank you!

Dee: A lab is a great choice. They are very affectionate and smart. A Golden Retreiver is also a great choice. Try to get a rescue dog from a shelter. Too many great dogs are put under for the lack of enough folks to adopt them.

Best Regards, George

I agree, I wouldn't go anywhere else but the shelter ;)

You know Guys ! There is something about this thread that has me thinking it may brake a record in Views Over 4000 -Two dollars a view = a restored gun. I still will put up the first 20.:whistle:

I'll put some in the pot.

If If my final four pick comes thru-like Da Pack did in the SB
 

- I'll also put in a nice crisp Monticello--this little lady from the great Lone Star State (Sam Houston, Jim Bowie, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson amongst other good things) has most certainly expressed her appreciation for the help and advice from the "PGCA brotherhood" on her family VH Parker. Just another reason, IMO, why this is such a great Assn.- We have so many well informed "Parkerists and Parkeristas" willing to share with new members, and that spirit will keep the PGCA membership growing.:bigbye:

Any kin to George Durham of the Texas Rangers?

My great grandpa's name is George Durham...hmmmm :shock: