case colors
 

At the time I thought Brad was as close as you could get to original

double click for enlargement

As I mentioned previously Brad re-case colored a 20 ga Trojan as part of a total restoration. When I spoke with Brad about the case coloring he indicated to me that he alone did all the case coloring in the shop. That was one aspect of his work that he was very proud of. I thought his colors came as close to "original looking' Parker colors as possible. Since Brad's unfortunate passing, I don't know if his son, Parker, has picked this service up or sending it out. We lost a terrific craftsman and great guy when Brad passed. May he rest in peace, he certainly earned it.

Allen, I also miss Brad very much. I took annual trips to GR to visit with him and bring guns for his counsel and work. He did indeed do his own case coloring according to him, at least during those years I had guns done. I think his CC work looked as good as that of Turnbull in the guns I have observed first hand (obviously, a small sample size).

Bill Schwarz's colors match original Fox and Parker colors to me. Bobby

Edgar and Dean, about 12 yrs ago I dropped of my grandfather's/Dad's 16 ga VH for complete restoration. All new wood to my dimensions, re-case color etc. Dean, I believe you have seen and handled this 16 ga VH some time ago. I'm told that Lawrence sent the metal out for case color via cyanide process. Dean, I seem to recall that after you looked at the gun. that you commented that the colors were the result of a cynanide process. 12 yrs ago my knowledge of Parkers was very limited tho I grew up shooting this VH exclusively. Never studied them. But I did know from talking with Lawrence that he did send his guns out for coloring. Frm whom I do not know and frankly didn't bother inqiring. I was just glad that it was in the hands of a smith with substantial Parker experience.

Bobby,

Do you have any pictures of Bill Schwarz's case color work? I'd love to see it, the most crucial part of a restoration in my opinion.

"Creak Side" used charcoal case hardening---close to the original CC---I am not sure, but I think it was Doug Turnbull's dad

Has anyone had any recent experience with Batchelder's? My understanding was that Brad had taught his son the secrets to the case coloring which Brad had mastered

Bachelders is basically done. For all intents and purposes as I understand it, the gunsmithing side of the business is belly up. It really is for the good of the double gun community. There was way too much BS and poor work coming out of there.