Early and Rough, but still a Parker…
 

Here are some pictures of Serial# 037, a 12 gauge back action with decarbonized steel barrels. It has been well used. I am restoring #46 and was hoping this would answer some questions, which it did. I hadn’t seen a forend tip from an early back action(as my #46 was missing the forend tip) which has a Schnabel look/influence.

This gun has many condition issues, but I am glad I got it. Barrels are cut to 24” There are a few minor dents that should be easily removed. The bores are pitted, but look to be shootable with light loads/black powder. The barrels do not have a serial number, I am not sure if this was removed or if this is a replacement set of barrels. There are only so many barrels that would have fit this gun, but they could be replacements. Also interesting, is this is the first back action I have seen where the lifter action has been modified so the pin doesn’t go up when the action is open. Maybe it went back to Parker for this…

The left hammer is a replacement and the right hammer, while original, is broken. The trigger plate is a newer replacement, which I new when I bid on it. It has the later patent dates which this early gun would not have had. This gun should have a patent date on the tang, but is not present.

It has it’s share of bumps and bruises, but for an early gun it certainly could be worse. The locks are non-rebounding and original, and work. I was initially thinking this would be a parts gun for my other project, but I think I am going to save this one too.

You should save this one

Very cool! A low serial number Parker is on my list. As in low double digits

Definitely one to save

This needs some work, but I agree it is worth fixing it. It is interesting that there is a "0" in front of the 37 in the serial number. My #46 does not have the "0" prefix.

my three digit gun has an 0 in front also

Low serial number
 

If that gun could only talk!! Think it may have cleared out some bars!!

I just re-read pages 88-89 of Volume I of The Parker Story, which provided a good overview of the "0" prefix. Seems the consensus is that these "0" prefixes are found on what could be considered lower grade guns. I would agree based on my small sample size of early Parkers.

This gun had to be first year of production in 1869. I am sure this Parker has seen quite a bit over the years. I look forward to getting it right again.

Just curious...what does the rib inscription read?

That did not immediately cross my mind but you are probably right.

I have a great great great uncle who was a cattle rancher in Texas way “back in the day”. He supposedly never carried a gun, although he needed one.