what gauge is this parker bro. 1901?
 

i used the sight to learn the year, frame size, grade and steel used. think its a 12ga, but not sure. there are a few other marks that i cant find the meaning for. any help would be greatly appreciated. also, thinking about having a restoration done, was given to me by my uncle and plan on passing it on to my son, or should i leave it as is. thanks

Clarify the serial number and frame size marking on the bottom of the rear barrel lug, which are a bit hard to read. If it is as it seems to be, #105058 and a #3 frame, the Serialization Book pegs it as a 32" 12 gauge. A 32" #3 frame 12 with 5 pound 8 ounce unstruck barrels (the marking on the barrel flat) is an interesting gun.

The gun #105058 is listed in the Parker Serialization Book as a Grade 3, 12 Gauge with 32" barrels. I don't have enough photos to say for sure but leaving it "as is" is generally the popular opinion. Guns that are "messed with" can never be returned to their original state. I would be happy with it as is knowing that it is exactly as it was when your family member used it. Money spent for a "make over" is rarely recovered and they aren't nearly as desirable.

thanks for that info, and what do you mean by interesting? a full picture of my parker is in the middle of this pic.

With that size and weight, it is consistent with 10 gauge specs. Maybe bought as a trap gun or waterfowl gun? Be interesting to see what the stock book said.
It would be nice to find a set of 10 gauge barrels that fit too.

Lucas most Parker 12ga guns made were made on a standard #2 frame. If a heavy gun was ordered, normally for waterfowl hunting with heavy loads, some were made on the standard 10ga #3 frame. Three frame 12ga guns are of special interest to collectors of waterfowl guns. Three frame 12ga guns are not rare but uncommon. Your gun looks like it may have been used in a coastal area since it is quite pitted normally due to exposure to salt water.

Please show us the rest of the gun up close

once i get home from work i will take some more pictures and post them

12 gauge Parkers with a size 3 frame are less common and treasured by those lucky few of us who own and shoot them.

Hello Lucas , Since you now own your first Parker Brothers shotgun it would be a Great Time to consider joining the Parker Gun Collectors Association ! There are many benefits ,one being a large discount on the Parker Gun Collectors Factory Letter to possibly find out who and where your gun was shipped when it was new ,your savings on your first letter almost covers your annual Membership Dues ! The other thing no one has mentioned ,you want to really take a good look or possibly have a Professional make a good examination of your barrel ! It might just be a mark along the Rib but in your third picture it looks to me as if the barrel might be split just below the rib ? I certainly hope not ,maybe you will get other opinions here ! Welcome Aboard ! Russ