Well the letter showed up with nothing exciting.......yes I know all letters are exciting in there own way but I was hoping for something extra special. "No butt plate" and "no safety" are clearly stated along with very specific stock dimensions. Order was from the Marshall Wells Co of Winnipeg Manitoba with shipment to the same in Duluth MN. Original shipment was 8/4/1913. Unfortunately no providence of the owner beyond "Attention: Osborne", price was $75.00 plus $18.75 for ejectors.


Question now is to leave the blue or remove the blue?? Use vinegar or navel jelly, what's the best way? Do I need to take the receiver completely apart? What's the best way to stabilize the metal after?

Thanks!

Remove. My vote.

Brian H: They look really nice with the case color worn off with remaining crisp engraving. Just MHO. Take a look through some photos to see for yourself. I have a CH that I can take photo for you if you would like me to. Bob

Listen to Edgar. Take off the blue gently.

I'd do absolutely nothing with it for one year. Then, I'd decide once the honeymoon phase was over.

If you case color it, from what I understand*, you'll have to get someone to first 'polish' the metal then recut the engraving. Lotta money, and then the engraving has been recut. You might just learn to like it well enough as it is. Even blued, it's a great gun.

*I'm still not convinced the guys who are case coloring these guns are doing it right...admittedly I've never tired it but I am fairly sure one could prep a receiver for case hardening without polishing or recutting.

Another truth about re-case coloring is the fact that the wonderful engraving will be much more difficult to see.

I would leave it the way it is, once you start to take it off your going to be committed to follow through to the end. I think it looks better than a polished receiver, and you certainly don't want to degrade the engraving any. The chances of finding any case color after you take off the blue are pretty slim too. I have a similar trap gun in similar condition, I thought the stock was a little ratty and I let the smith talk me into refinishing the barrels too. I have regretted it ever since, as crusty as it was before, it had character and it looked right. If there are things about the gun that bother you, you may do better to find another one you like.

I'm a great fan of the wait and see approach. Live with it for a year or so. Take it to the range and enjoy it. You probably will grow to like it a lot. First rule of medicine- Do no harm.

If that gun were to be recolored, there would be no need to have to recut the engraving.

I personally do not think it should be recolored. Just the bluing temoved.

CH Photos
 

Brian: Photos per request. Think CC was intentionally removed. No CC in protective areas. I have no idea how it could be done without damaging the engraving. You have a great Parker that many of us would be proud of with or without the blue. Bob