grandfather's PARKER

[Robert DeBishop]

OWN A 12 GUAGE DOUBLE BARREL PARKER SHOTGUN. THIS WAS ORIGINALLY MY GRANDFATHER'S. He was a farmer and used it for some hunting. He died in 1971 at age 86. So I am assuming it is quite old. I can't seem to find a serial # unless the # D4469, which Is on the part when you open the barrels would be it. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks. Bob.

[Dean Romig]

Depending on which type of action the gun is, that number could be the serial number, sans the D, or it could be the order number. The D might be the stamp for Damascus barrels.

What is the number engraved on the trigger guard strap next to the screw that secures it to the grip part of the stock?

If you can remove the forend (or forearm) you will see the serial number stamped into the metal on the bottom side of the forend.





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[Researcher]

Is the gun marked Parker Bros.?

[Robert DeBishop]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Depending on which type of action the gun is, that number could be the serial number, sans the D, or it could be the order number. The D might be the stamp for Damascus barrels.

What is the number engraved on the trigger guard strap next to the screw that secures it to the grip part of the stock?

If you can remove the forend (or forearm) you will see the serial number stamped into the metal on the bottom side of the forend.





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Between the devise that opens the barrel and a screw there is some writing that appears to be" Nov 13, 1866". There might be something else just before that but I can't make it out.The rifle is in average shape I would say and I am thinking of selling it.. I don't see any other markings on it but will keep looking. I am not familiar with the terms you may use.

[Researcher]

Parker Bros. serial numbers are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug --

12249 01 Grade 2, 12-gauge.jpg

on the watertable (action flats) --

12249 02.jpg

on the forearm iron --

12249 03.jpg

and engraved in the trigger guard back strap --

12249 04.jpg

[Robert DeBishop]

Yes, it is marked Parker Bros. The only other markings(that I've found) on it are the "Nov 13, 1866. Is it possible tat they didn't use serial numbers back then?

[Dean Romig]

Okay, I think I understand... it sounds like it is a Lifter (with the lifter plunger "the device that opens the barrels") and the date between that and the screw (the forward screw for the trigger plate) is a patent date.

Parker Brothers didn't make any guns, that we've ever heard of, without serial numbers.





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[Robert DeBishop]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Okay, I think I understand... it sounds like it is a Lifter (with the lifter plunger "the device that opens the barrels") and the date between that and the screw (the forward screw for the trigger plate) is a patent date.

Parker Brothers didn't make any guns, that we've ever heard of, without serial numbers.





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Thankyou. That is where the date is located. Perhaps the serial number is somewhere that you have to take the gun apart to see, but I don't have the expertise or willingness to do that.

[Dean Romig]

You're right Robert, the serial number locations are all in places where you have to disassemble the the barrels from the frame... except on the underside of the grip, behind the triggers, engraved into the tail of the trigger guard, right where it is quite visible without taking anything apart.






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[Robert DeBishop]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

You're right Robert, the serial number locations are all in places where you have to disassemble the the barrels from the frame... except on the underside of the grip, behind the triggers, engraved into the tail of the trigger guard, right where it is quite visible without taking anything apart.






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Thanks Dean, but I do not find a serial # there. The reason I wanted to find it is because I am thinking of selling it and I figured that it would be helpful. Bob.