New Member... Inherits Old Parker

Mark Benke · 05-27-2010, 03:05 PM

My dad just gave me my Great Great Grandfather's Parker. It is in somewhat rough shape, but I'd like to find a way to hunt with it and would like to restore ...

Serial numbers put it around 1883, The forearm and "stock" have the same serial number, but the barrel has a serial number that puts it around 1880.

I'd like to know more about it, but don't have a clue where to start, so I'm asking the experts (what the heck do I have here?)

Barrel has the following markings:

Serial 18033

Patd, 6/25/1878 & 4/11/1876

has the number "02 (which I think is the size of the action??)
Also has a "T" in parentheses & a +8..

It also has some damage on the top... don't know if this is repairable

damascus twist??

Forearm

Serial number is different than the barrel (29884)

Stock and action:

The straight stock is in pretty good shape considering its 127 years old. no big gouges or anything... probably could be restored I think??

Action is good and tight, very little if any play.

Has the following markings:

patd, 4/11/1876, 9/03/1882, 3/16/1875
serial number is 29884

There isn't a grade stamp that I can find.

Any help or information on who to send it to for restoration and any info on what kind of parker I have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance!!!

MB

Pa SxS · 05-27-2010, 03:20 PM

Mark,

Congratulations on having your Great Great Grandfather's Parker.

It's a Grade 0 Hammergun made in 1883. The 18033 on the barrel flats is the order number. You should see 29884 on the side of the barrel lug which would match the receiver and forarm. If that's not the case, the barrels are not original.

It should be a 12ga with 30" Twist barrels and a capped pistol grip stock. Your's has a straight gripped stock and doesn't look like a factory straight Parker stock so I believe it's been replaced. Also it looks like the Doll's Head and extension have been either replaced or repaired.

I would have the gun checked out by a gunsmith familiar with vintage shotguns before attempting to shoot it. If he say's it's ok, use only low pressure loads.

Good luck,

Chuck Bishop

Harry Collins · 05-27-2010, 03:41 PM

Mark,

18033 is the order number. The serial number on the barrels is om the left side og the lug. Being it is a family Parker I would bet the barrels have not been skimmed or honed so they should be the original thickness and safe with appropriate loads. Is the dolls head extension missing fom the barrel.

Harry

Mark Benke · 05-27-2010, 03:48 PM

Doll's head??

Sorry, I don't know what that means.. there is some damage on the top of the barrel where it meets the action.. If that is the dolls head, then it is missing.

Any recommendations as to who I can send it to for restoration? (approximate cost for getting it examined for shootability?

Thanks

MB

Pa SxS · 05-27-2010, 03:56 PM

Harry, I didn't look closely but saw what appeared to be a blued doll's head but it's not there at all and the extension is missing.

Mark, what part of the country do you live in? We may be able to recommend a qualified gunsmith in your area. It may or may not be cost effective to repair. Hopefully, the rest of the gun is in good shape.

Mark Benke · 05-27-2010, 04:33 PM

Thanks!

I'm in Oregon.

MB

Pa SxS · 05-27-2010, 04:50 PM

I would visit Keith Kearcher for an evaluation.

Keith Kearcher LLC
60232 Ridgeview Dr. East
Bend, OR 97702

Phone number: (541)-617-9299
http://members.toast.net/keithkearcher/

Mark Benke · 05-27-2010, 04:51 PM

Excellent!

I live in Bend so this is going to work out well!

MB

Bill Murphy · 05-27-2010, 07:57 PM

Keith will tell you that the missing extension is a non weight bearing item and need not be there for the gun to be locked up for firing. If anyone can fix up the breech end of your barrels and fill up the void in the top of the action at a reasonable price, Mr. Kearcher can. You are in the best location in the entire country to get your gun operational for less than its value.

Bill Murphy · 05-27-2010, 08:04 PM

Your +8 is actually "4 8" which is the weight of your barrels in pounds and ounces before final finishing. The "T" is the mark for Twist Steel barrels, a composite barrel not bored from a tube of solid steel. A "4-8" set of barrels, if not seriously pitted or damaged, is usually a good candidate for shooting.