Its a very early( 1890) O frame 16ga GH damascus, so early that at least initially it would likely have been shot with black powder and corrosive primers,. Unless the gun was cleaned after every use, black powder residue attracts moisture, creates acid ( sulphuric acid) and can corrode the barrels. This is a fairly common Parker.
What's the barrel wall thickness?
Condition of the bores?
Ribs tight?
Loose on the face?
Barrels cut?
Stock cracked? I see that the head, at least on the right side, has some oil soaking.
I see somebody cut off the original dog's head butt plate and added a later Hawkins pad, probably in the 1920's or early 30's.
Family heirloom or something you just picked up?
Want to keep it and use it or just looking to fix it up, turn it and make some money?
FYI, this gun was intended by Parker to be shot with 7/8oz , 2 1/2 dram loads, per Parker Small Bore Shot Gun tables.
Last edited by Bruce Day; 09-10-2010 at 10:02 AM..
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