Need help with barrel marks and iding grade.

[Patrick Burell]

I am new to the forum and new to Parker shotguns. I picked up my first Parker. I know it's a 10ga., manufactured 1884, (sn#38597), twist barrels, and a #3 frame. But I need assistance with the grade.

Also I have deciphered the barrel markings as such;
Crescent T = twist
5 12 = weight
J = What?
3 = frame
JS = John Stokes
9 = What?

So I need help understanding the J and 9, and what is the grade?

[Dean Romig]

The J and 9 are probably contractor's or inspector's stamps.

With Twist barrels it is most likely a Grade-0. A Grade-1 would have had Laminated Steel, Twist, or Damascus barrels and Grades 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 would have had Damascus Steel barrels.





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[Patrick Burell]

Thank you Dean for such a quick response.

[wayne goerres]

Check the water table on the frame. The grade will be stamped on the left barrel water table right above the serial no.