Old Parker?
 

I have an old Parker 12 gauge ( I believe) that was given to me about thirty years ago. I a m trying to figure out how old it is. I have read that any Parker gun after about the first one thousand would have the serial number on the trigger gaurd tang (this one does not have it in this location. I am looking at the water table and lugs as I type this and there is nothing except scroll work on the lugs and the letter D on the water table. I assume the D is the grade? The letters AL are stamped on both barrels in front of the water table there is also the number 183 stamped on one of the barrels. A large letter I is stamped on the flat space between the barrels. I am wondering if anyone can help me with this information.

don't know much but, it should have a # under the forend. does it say parker bros on the side? maybe one of thoes other parkers that's not from conn. Anywhay I bet its a cool old gun. ch

Calvin it does say Parker on the hammerplate. The number 183 is actually located under the forestock. One other thing I noticed is that the buttplate has what appears to be a quail on it and not a dog like most that I have seen. The gun is in rough shape but I would love to know a little more about it. Thanks for your input.

hummmm well that's the end of my help it would be speculation for here on out good evening ch

Welcome Alan - If you can post a few photos: side plates, water table, barrel flats, top rib, etc there are many experts here that will help you evaluate your gun. Without them it is tough to opine on what you might have.

Thank You Dave. I will post those asap.

Dave I hope these are good enough to help.Attachment 4472

Attachment 4473

Attachment 4474

Attachment 4475

Attachment 4476

Alan, compliments on your photographic skills - a very nice job.

Unfortunately that is not a Parker Bros. gun that we are all about. I don't have the expertise to comment on where it may have been made other than to say it is European.

Thank You Dean for the information. I am still interested in information anyone could give me concerning the gun and its origin. I also understand this may not be the forum to find that information but would appreciate any additional input. Thanks All

Alan ,It is a shame it is not a " Parker Brothers " gun ,but I must say , I really like the butt plate ! A friend of mine showed up at my place last evening with a Forehand Double barrel ,that had a really nice Butt finish with a Wooded scene with a big Squirrel sitting on a limb , very nice . Russ

If that buttplate were fresh and new, I would be buying that gun to get the buttplate. Not much information on the water tables to establish origin. Probably Belgium, but not sure. The condition puts it in the wallhanger category.

The bird on the buttplate looks very much like the Capercaillie, the largest gamebird in Europe but possibly the scarcest. Once there were many - now there are few...

It's a low quality Belgian gun given a "Name Brand" to fool the unknowing; Sam Holt, T. Barker & W. Richards are other examples. It can not be made safe to shoot, with ANY load.
More here http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20091267
BD is possibly the mark of Bauduin Doyen, a Nessonvaux damascus barrel and gun maker.
AL was used by Arnold Lochet, but he was a post-1900 maker.

Thank You gentlemen for all of the information. So a wallhanger it is. It is nice to know something about it since it was given to me when i was young by my grandfather and I would never part with it.

Alan, enjoy it for the memories it brings you.

Alan, years ago in about the 1890's to maybe 1920's many European and American gun makers of very cheap or utilitarian guns marketed guns with the names of expensive American and European gun manufacturers. W. Richards was stamped on the side plates of guns rather than the more expensive Westley Richards from England. Parker or sometimes Barker (with many derivations) was stamped so a prospective buyer would think he was buying a Parker Brothers expensive and quality shotgun. Your shotgun is one of those cheap guns. Many were manufactured in Belgium but I don't see any Belgium proof marks on your gun. If you were to look at a genuine Parker Brothers shotgun (even the inexpensive but quality made Trojan grade) and compare the quality of fit and finish to your gun you would see a world of difference. Personally I would relegate your gun to a wall hanger. It does not look safe to shoot to me. You could check with Dixie Gun Works in TN to see if they may have a replacement hammer for the one that is missing for appearance sake. JMHO.

Dennis