Parker takedown case project
 

I am thinking of building a takedown case for my Parker(s). First, a few questions...
1. Did Parker Bros. make takedown cases?
2. Are there any existing treads covering this topic?
3. Does anyone have pictures, dimensions, and other information that will help in this endeavor?
4. Are there any guys/gals out there that have taken on one of these projects that might have some pointers as to materials/parts to use.
5. Finally. While I can work wood, I would need some pointers on how to apply canvas or leather to finish the case, not to mention how to procure these materials.

Thoughts?

Yes, Parker offered cases. A lot of the early ones are solid wood with no outside covering.
There is a chapter in TPS that covers Parke accessories. And a good amount of good photos of original Parker cases with their guns.

Early style cases had solid wood interiors as well that were cut out in shapes that were a near dead match to the gun. Holes were drilled for holding brass shells. Usually 25 of them. Other holes and openings were cut out for loading tools and such.

If you simply relish the thought of building your own trunk case, by all means do so.

Otherwise, I'd send Galazan $275 for one of their well made canvas & leather cases, and spend the rest of my time shooting your Parker.

I have previously posted photos, details and measurements for those interested.

Bruce's post

http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthr...+original+case

it is one of my summer projects - i've been collecting the accessories as I find them

and the walnut cases were not covered with either canvas or leather

By the late eighties, there were Parker trunk cases that were covered in leather. These are pictured in the 1887? and 1889? Parker catalogs which are reproduced in TPS. Most are the "shellback" variety, which included a lid in the top of the case that covered an area where shells were stored in rows.

yes - the DGJ reprint of the 1882 catalog that BD pointed me to shows several styles of cases.

but for a wood worker wanting to reproduce a correct style case, I think the walnut style is a good choice

This sounds like somthing I'd say. Though I have already bought cases for my Parkers, the idea of making my own "original" case interests me. My hope is that in making a case, I will learn more about Parker shotugns and accessories, their history, and specifically, my own Parkers; an endeavor that I'm betting all of us would find worth the effort.

Yup, I would choose the walnut case for reproducing rather than the leather covered case.

We, Todd Kaltenbach, Russ Lindsay and I are out chasing birds in western Kansas .

In my opinion, if you look at some of the less costly cases, you will find they are made in India, Pakistan or wherever and the quality of the leather and other work is acceptable but not high. If a person is a craftsman and can do careful and high quality work, he can build a very nice case duplicating the original Parker cases.

So I am out with a 16ga top action 0 frame G hammer Damascus. Todd has a 12ga hammer gun and Russ has a 20ga V. Photos to follow on a separate thread.

Thanks for posting this. And thanks to Bruce for some very detailed photos and a nice thread. I'd love to see more photos of cases spanning all of Parkers history. Are there any more out there? Bruce's thread also brings to mind a few questions. How to make those bequtiful leather handles? I liked the idea of the cord or thread wrapped in leather, but the strength of the handles looks like it could be improved. Also, does anyone know where one can begin a search for those parker accessories? I'm guessing they are as rare as a BHE 410, with matching prices.

I have a very late Remington/Parker DHE 20 ga 2 barrel set that came in a case.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19...2/P1080682.jpg
This is a two barrel gun, with original Parker case, including correspondence with the maker confirming the order, and a picture of the original owner.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19...2/P1080681.jpg

This is a two barrel gun, with original Parker case, including correspondence with the maker confirming the order, and a picture of the original owner.

Todd,
That is quite a nice gun, I'd almost rather see more pics it than the case. Can you give dimensions on the case and perhaps another pic or two with the gun broken down and "nesting".
Thanks again and I think I speak for everyone when I say our feelings won't be hurt if you include more close ups of that beautiful DHE 20.
Best
Dean

I've got company coming over shortly, but will get to it.
I have been saving this gun for a contribution to the Parker Pages, as the back story on this gun is pretty interesting.

There have to be more cases out there. Come on guys, dust off those cases and take some pics. Its snowing like hell here on the east coast so I know most of you are sitting at home fondling your parkers anyway. I'd love to see as many different examples as possible. Don't forget to lay a tape down or take some measurements. And thanks in advance. Also, where's the info on Parker accessories? Did I hit on a taboo subject? I suppose they aren't making any more snap caps or brass shotshells.

Actually - someone is making repros of the 10 gauge Parker brass shotshells

They are listed at trackofthewolf.com

As for the other accesories - they are hard to find, but do show up once and a while. But you never know where or when

I photographed this one somewhere in Connecticut in 2010.


.

Wow!

Parker Bros. offerings in the day.



.

Which catalog is that Dean?

The 1882 still showed the walnut case as well as those leather trunks

I didn't record the catalog date (regretfully) and just flipped through all the pages I photographed and couldn't find it... sorry

Dean,
Thanks for the input. This is exactly the kind of material I'm looking for. I like the look of the all wood cases, but I'm guessing that their weight is quite a bit more than other cases. Keep the info comming guys.

They're not as heavy as you might think. The one I showed probably weighs about 2 1/2 - 3 lbs. without the gun and accessories.

I made this one a year ago, and have another one in the works. I made the box years ago, but never got a round to finishing it.
I also pick up old ones, to refit, when I find them. The bottom one shown here is a Winchester case. The hardest part is finding correct period hardware. Leather handles, and the fittings for them are available. Kennedy lock makes great cabinet locks, but fussy to inlet. I use Billiard Table felt, not the fuzzy stuff.

Edgar;
Is that your computer in the last photo with the stack of cases?:shock:

No Dipstick, That's my defibrillator. I clip one lead on my finger, and the other on my, uh. Well lets just say that alligator clip is all it takes to get me going again.

I'd bet that the clip is a little too big for the job at hand. BTW- It's Mr. Dipstick to you.

Sir, Yes Sir!!

Lemme tell you Daryl, After the prostate surgery, any clip is too big. That's what the magnifying goggles are for.

Glad to see you've maintained that sharp, rapier wit of yours. That's always a good thing.

Ya, He's a pisser ain't he...:rotf: Want to get him going? Just call his house and when ha answers just say"Hi Julie".....:whistle:

Dean, here's some pics of the case with the gun in it:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19...ps6c7afef3.jpg
The accessories:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19...psb885b6c2.jpg
Case closed
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19...ps3721454c.jpg
The Paper:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19...ps31cf631e.jpg

My - What a fabulous Parker that is!!

Look at those prices will ya!!

That is a very valuable Parker. I hope that gun stays with you for a long, long time and that it is enjoyed to the fullest each time it is brought out. Congratulations!

I am anticipating an article on that one with "the rest of the story" and a bunch of nice pictures. I'll be happy to work with you on an article if you wish.

Best, Dean

I plan to write this one, as soon as I get a little time. I'm starting a new job tomorrow, so I will be a little distracted for a while.

Thank you Todd. The wait will nearly kill us, but we'll be patient.

Todd, I second that! Thank you so much for taking the time to post the pics. That price list is a real kick in the gut. As you know, that's a special gun, thanks so much for sharing.

Ok guys, our contributors so far have set the bar pretty high. Let's see some more cases (prefferably with guns in them)!

That is one great piece of paper. I had no idea that the Golcher shop was still in business in 1941. Thanks.

The key word being 'one'. Today, it would be a 4473 two letters of reference from the local constabulary, reams of documents from HHS attesting to the mental stability of the buyer, and copies of birth certificates, IRS returns, etc etc.

what struck me was the $25 express charge -- which I take to be shipping

that was a lot of pocket change back then-

you can still ship a gun for $25 - of course, now, it will get lost or broken - but the cost is similar