ID Help on 1882 Parker

[mikecrawford]

Hello all, new member as I've just acquired a Parker.

First, it's overall in not bad condition. Trying to decide to restore or wall hang it. Even if a wall hanger, I may fix some things anyways just because I think this gun deserves it.

I collect antique US military arms, and saw this gun while looking at some of those. Put in a bid, and now I own it. The more I look at it and handle it, the more I like it.

From what I can tell, it's an 1882 based on serial. The serial is on the side of the lug, with the order number on the water table. I don't see a grade mark there anywhere, and the frame size is gummed up on the lug, so I can't see that either. The barrel is twist steel, and the weight appears to be 58.

Is there anything else that I can tell from these markings, or am I missing anything?

It has a crack in the stock that has been nailed on one side ages ago. I assuming that isn't too hard of a fix. The lock plate on one side sticks out a little. I am guessing that's not too hard to fix either.

Beyond those two things, I think it's in decent enough shape.

It doesn't appear to be rusted - more patina I guess on the barrel. I was thinking of rubbing it with Kroil and Frontier Pads. Is that safe for these guns?

Anxious to learn more about these guns in general, and this one in particular. Though it doesn't fit the military theme of my collection, I could see buying another one of these in a little better condition.

I appreciate any input. Thanks much.

[David Noble]

Congratulations on your first Parker. It sounds like you have done the research on it, and I cannot add any more other than the serialization book says it is a 10ga and was made with 32" barrels.
The stock is likely the original and it is listed as having a pistol grip.
I would not recommend restoring it as that would be prohibitively expensive. However, you can clean it up, repair the things that need it (within reason) and it will make a good mantle piece. I hope it won't be your last!

[mikecrawford]

Thanks David!

I like it, and I'm intrigued by these shotguns. So starts another (probably) expensive branch to the collecting tree.

Just measured, and the barrels are indeed 32".

[Spin Drift]

Mike:

It will always be your first "Parker." Congrats on becoming afflicted. It will get worse as you learn more about these very special scatter guns. Get the books, join the PGCA and have access to the for sale section of the web site. Ask questions of the guys here (some with 50 years of knowledge) and get your second, third, fourth and so on Parker.

[mikecrawford]

Thanks much. Already contemplating another one. Have to learn a little more about that model before jumping in this time.

[David Noble]

If the barrels are not too pitted inside you could possibly find a replacement stock for it and shoot it. Have a good gunsmith that knows double barrel shotguns inspect and measure the wall thickness before proceeding though.