Parker found in Canada What do I have?
 

I collect Canadian military rifles and this old shotgun has me stumped. I don't really know what I have so I'm asking you for some help. It is a damascus double barrelled shotgun and is pretty plain looking. When the action is closed the old girl is tight. The barrels are 26 in. long and it is 12 gauge. It is marked Parker Bros "Makers" Meriden Con. "Plain Twist" on top of the barrels. The serial numbers is 11747. The wood is in good condition. I have included several photographs to help with the identification. Thanks for looking.
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Gregory,

According to the Parker serialization book. Your gun is an 0-grade 12ga lifter with plain twist barrels that was made in 1878. The only thing I see of your gun that doesn't match the book is it lists your gun as having 28" barrels rather than the 26" you mention.

Your gun looks to be in great condition for being 133 years old, How are the bores any pitting?

Hope this helped,

Paul

Great condition, barrels not a factor until it is proven to be a factor. Way more case hardening color than a normal gun of that serial number range and trigger guard blue is outstanding and original. Screws are well above average, wood to metal fit still great. Butt plate and screws wonderful. Uncommon very heavy barrel weight markings are a plus. I would buy that gun.

I can see no pitting, very clean and shiny.

Can you take a picture of the muzzle end of the rib similar to this. It "may" assist with barrel length discussion.
Cheers,
Jack

http://parkerguns.org/forums/picture...pictureid=1342

Here is photograph of the muzzle end of barrel showing bead. Is it possible the barrel has been shortened by someone several years ago?
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Yup, someone's been there at some time earlier in that Parker's life. Looks like the barrels were not cut off squarely either.

I think they were shortened as a test prior to dropping the same blade on Marie Antoinette... Looks like a great gun other than that. Screws are great Bill. Everything looks great actually. The barrel ends can be cleaned up. Nice gun.

The blue on the bottom of the opening lifter is original also. The barrel ends would be worth cleaning up and having a new bead set.

Gregory,

I realy like Lifter Parkers and this one is nice. Though the barrels have been shortened I think it still has some choke left. Perfect for most of the hunting I do. I would shoot light loads out of deference to her age as well as the lack of radius between the breech and water table.

Harry