Howdy, I've just recently gotten ahold of this old Parker Bros shotgun from my dad (don't worry he's still alive), and I was hoping to more accurately identify it and hopefully restore it to proper working condition. This is not only my first Parker shotgun, but also the first firearm I have ever owned or cared for so I know very little from firsthand experience.
The serial number is 22119 which puts it all the way back in 1881. Frame size 3 according to the mark on the barrel. It has a 32.75" damascus steel barrel and I *think* it's a 10 gauge. It has external manually pulled hammers. Isn't this one of the Parkers that's old enough that it doesn't have a grade? I didn't see any grade markers on it.
Here are some collages of different parts of the shotgun.
Barrel
https://files.catbox.moe/z5z0f5.jpg
Flat
https://files.catbox.moe/8jqbj7.jpg
Receiver & Stock
https://files.catbox.moe/zol4tg.jpg
From the looks of it, it is in amazing condition given how it's been stored and cared for (not very well) so I have high hopes I can remove all the rust and refinish it. Where should I start first? I know I need to remove all the rust before messing with a new finish since rust trapped beneath the new finish will continue to spread. I think the wood is in good enough condition that I see no reason to bother with trying to get it replaced, though a polishing might be in order.