what to do about Parker gun?
 

What a great site guys!Very informative and educational and you make newcomers like me feel invited:)I posted pictures of my Parker gun in a album titled Grubb gun and I have some questions.To restore or not restore or just have gun cleaned up,value of gun for insurance purposes only, approx. cost to have work done ect..I just feel a large responsibility to make sure this Parker lasts another 113 years!

Stephen, do NOT restore your Parker. At most it could use a bit of cleaning up but don't use any abrasives and don't use any solvents as they will take the shellac off of the wood. Your Parker is in wonderful condition and it appears that never has a screw been turned. Are the barrels still thirty inches? Aside from the buildup of old oil and grime it looks like an extremely well cared for Parker that has been lovingly cared for. (I know that was redundant but I'm excited) You're lucky to have one that nice . . . now go shoot a turkey with it.

Lovely gun. Screws are close to perfect. Stock head is slightly proud of the metal (a good thing). Water table does not appear to have a single pit. Butt plate looks almost new. How are the bores? Can you post a picture of the muzzle end looking down on the bead, which may answer Dean's question about barrel length being original. Obviously well cared for during and after use, as well as storage over the years. It has likely not been dismantled and if everything operates smoothly, there may not be any need to get inside for cleaning. If things are a bit sticky, it could use a day at the spa after 113 years. If you do anything yourself, ensure you have proper tools and know the methods involved. If you have any work done by another, ask here for well experienced Parker gunsmiths anywhere near you. A great gun to be enjoyed for decades to come.
Cheers,
Jack

OK, thanks Dean for that info.yes the barrel are still 30 inches and clean inside however the condition of the outside Damascus barrels could use help.took gun to local shop and was told to wipe them with vinegar to remove grime I thought that sounded barbaric. same guy tried to demonstrate the cleaning properties of "Ballistol"on the stock of the gun and was verry persistent till I told him that nothing was going to be done till I got the gun documented with you guys.

For the barrels try Hoppes 9 wipe them down and let them sit for a day or two then wipe down again and use some OOOO steel wool with the Hoppes and that will take some of the grime off, never heard of the vinegar idea. Ballistol is a good product for both metal and wood but if you want to clean the wood try some Murphy's oil soap on the dry side and that should take most of the grim out and then some wax. Whatever you do go slowly..

Thanks guys.great info.Any contact info. would be great. I live near Cocoa Bch,Fl.{don't hold that against me my folks were from Pa.}Locals here seem to think bacon fat makes great wood protection.Heard about a gentleman named Norman Flaydermon? from Miami.About 3hrs drive , but don't know reputation.

Stephen: Norm Flayderman is the "Grandaddy" of the antique gun collectors. His published price guide is in it's unpteenth printing and is used by all the auction houses to price their guns as well as all serious antique gun collectors. I think that you were joking about the bacon fat.

Best Regards, George

WOW!Thanks George.Talk about foot to mouth.Being new to something sure can make one feel ignorant.I will have to get back to you about the bacon I'm going to check it out on my Daisy BB gun.

Thanks Eric,should the steel wool be copper or brass wool?Also what type of wax would you recommend?

Here's another of the same grade and gauge that started out looking like yours. Re-browned barrels and cleaned up and re top coated wood. I use it for waterfowl, long range pheasant and long range clays. I choose to fix mine up, your choice. This one is a little later, a 1910 gun from Vancouver.