Last year I looked at a Twist barreled PH 12g. that a gentleman I know had recently acquired. It was built in the early 1890's and had exceptional metal finishes (95%), but a little more wear to the wood and wood finish. And the Case colors were not of what would be seen on a 1890's gun. More like what would be on a gun built in the 1920's. Closer inspection showed a 1910 type wear plate installed in it which pointed to the fact that the gun had been back to the factory at some time after that point. I concluded that the gun had to have been re-case colored and barrels re-blackened by Parker when it was returned.
So, it was a factory refinished gun. Like Bill stated, I would lean more towards considering it to be an original gun.
But I will tell you what, it was a PERFECT example of what Parker factory finishes looked like. And there was no mistaking that they were factory finishes.
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B. Dudley
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