[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

HI Johnny,

Please do not "part out" an AH Parker. Chances are that if you have no interest in keeping the gun someone will buy it from you with a potential profit!

Is it worth restroring an AH? If that is a question concerning potential return on investment factors to consider are:
1. What you paid for the gun?
2. How much minimum barrel wall thickness will remain if the barrels are honed smooth? A #2 frame Parker 12 gauge probably has pretty thick barrels. If the MBWT will less that will be safe for proper loads then you might want to stop here.
3. What price a VERY similar gun which has been restored will bring?
4. The cost of a perfect restoration?

Now, if you have any competent gunsmith restore it you may be pouring your money down a hole. There are few persons that have the abilities to properly restore a Parker AH to an "as new" condition. There are things as simple as achieving proper colors for the period from case hardening that can make or break a restoration. The shape of the stock and checkering are also big factors in this. Finally, you wrote that the engraving is worn thin. Some gunsmiths can acid etch engraving and bring it back to life. If the engraving needs to be chased or recut the cost of restoration will rise.

So, take your time. Show the gun to knowledgeable Parker collectors but do not accept any offers from them without getting assessments/opinions from others. Take your gun to a competent gunsmith with a reputation for Parker restorations. He (or perhaps she?) will tell you what the AH will cost to restore properly. Toward this paragraph, where are you located?

If you desire a more accurate online assessment you will need to post high quality photos.

PS: I have an AH in restoration presently and another that may get restocked. These guns are worth saving!

For what it is worth,
Mark