Just got my first Parker 12 gauge.
 

I recently acquired a Parker 12 gauge Hammer Gun. By looking thru the site I have figured out that the Serial # 8430 tells me that it was manufactured in 1876. She has a Plain Twist barrel, however I cannot find the Grade marking. She is rather plain, no engravings, and steel buttplate. The stock is a little different than those that I have seen pictures of...the neck which is usually capped at the bottom is rounded. One of the hammer screws is mismatched and she has a few dings and hickies on the stock and forearm. The bore seems to be in pretty good shape, a good cleaning would do wonders. Some minor rust on the barrels, which I would love to clean, but have been advised to just oil. Also, there is a small ping on the end of the barrel. I have included a pic of it...what would be the best method of repair for that? Somebody please fill in the gaps and tell me what I have....thanks in advance.

The book says your Parker No. 8430 is a 10 gauge PT (Plain Twist in reference to the barrel steel) Underlifter with 30 inch barrels. It is probably the lowest grade and is likely to be a Grade 0.

Dean,
Any idea what the T stands for?

Thank you for the quick response.

Rick Parker

The 'T' with the crescent above and below is Parker Bros. stamp for Twist and was used in reference to Twist, Plain Twist and Stub Twist barrel steel.

The T inside crescents represents Twist steel barrels made up of a composite of steel and iron. The ding at the muzzle can be easily fixed by a gunsmith. Have the gun checked out by a competent gunsmith familiar with vintage guns before you consider shooting it. Then if shootable, use only low pressure loads.

and the stock? would that be original? I am full of questions...lol. Based on your earlier comment she is not of any great value being a Plain Jane...but, she is almost 140 years old. How extensive should I clean her? as far as rust removal and such? or just leave the patina and keep her oiled. What are the things I should look for or address before attempting to fire her?

Told ya, full of questions....lol

Rick, it looks like the checkering on the grip is filled with old crud/oil and can be cleaned up to look really nice. One of the things you can do as you clean up the rest of the gun is to properly clean and refinish the wood to its original beauty... but be careful! Use no sandpaper or abrasives, just use light solvents and soft brushes. Be patient... slow and easy gets the best result with these old Parkers. Yes, the stock looks original.

We would need better pictures of the entire stock. Most of these early guns were straight grip and I notice your pistol grip trigger guard tang has 2 screws. I'm not quite sure if this is correct for a pistol grip although pistol grips weren't that common on those early guns. Give us more pictures of the gun to help us.

The best way to get rid of minor rust is use a bronze scrub pad found in hardware stores and gun oil. Go lightly and see the rust disappear. You can also use the bronze pad and oil to clean out the inside of the barrels.

notice different screws on hammers...hope this is pics needed to confirm stock.

a couple more pics of stock