My Parker 93905

[Jason Butler]

New member of the forum and Association.
I recently inherited this gun and want to research what I can about it.

Searching through the threads, and entering the serial number, the results say that it was born in 1899, and that there are records available for it, so I am ordering its papers today!

I know its nothing fancy, and the finish seems to point to some restoration work, but it is a Parker and it's mine!

Attached are some pics I wanted to share for your perusal.
Thanks!

[Jason Butler]

More pics

[Dylan Rhodes]

Please check the barrel wall thickness on that before firing

[Jason Butler]

Thank you!

[edgarspencer]

The picture you posted of the barrel inscription appears to be entirely without the 'zigzag' rib matting. It also appears the (minimal) engraving on the receiver and fore end is missing. Perhaps this was removed when it was re-blued.

[Jason Butler]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

The picture you posted of the barrel inscription appears to be entirely without the 'zigzag' rib matting. It also appears the (minimal) engraving on the receiver and fore end is missing. Perhaps this was removed when it was re-blued.

The pattern on the rib is there but well worn... Yes, I agree that if there was engraving on the receiver and fore end it is now lost to history.

[David Noble]

Good day! Welcome to the forums.
Your gun, serial number 93905 shows up in the Identification and Serialization book as a VH hammerless, extractors, capped pistol grip stock, 12ga, 30 inch barrels.
It's pretty obvious the barrels have been cut, so there may or may not be some choke left in them. If they are cut to 26 inches there will likely be little choke.
It also appears the entire gun was refinished at one time, and it appears all the metal was reblued, but not "rust blued" which was the proper finish. If it was what they call "hot blued" which is the common method on modern guns now, the barrels do need to be checked by a competent gunsmith familiar with double barrel shotguns. "Hot blue" eats away at the solder of the ribs and other parts that hold the barrels together. They may be fine but have it checked out.
Also, the stock is surely a replacement but it has excellent figure and looks nice.
It's an heirloom so enjoy having it, and I hope you get to shoot it a bunch!

[B. Dudley]

The gun has been absolutely destroyed cosmetically. But it appears to be a functioning gun that will go bang and do shotgun stuff. Considering that the barrels are sound.

[Jason Butler]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

The gun has been absolutely destroyed cosmetically. But it appears to be a functioning gun that will go bang and do shotgun stuff. Considering that the barrels are sound.

Yes, the gun was destroyed during the 'so called' restoration, for sure I wouldn't have purchased this gun, but since it was given to me I wont complain.

My real hope is that I can find a gunsmith that I can trust to tell me if it is a shooter. If it isn't, sadly its just a paperweight. A fine example of what not to do to what was once a fine example of American gun making...

[Jason Butler]

Originally Posted by David Noble

Good day! Welcome to the forums.
Your gun, serial number 93905 shows up in the Identification and Serialization book as a VH hammerless, extractors, capped pistol grip stock, 12ga, 30 inch barrels.
It's pretty obvious the barrels have been cut, so there may or may not be some choke left in them. If they are cut to 26 inches there will likely be little choke.
It also appears the entire gun was refinished at one time, and it appears all the metal was reblued, but not "rust blued" which was the proper finish. If it was what they call "hot blued" which is the common method on modern guns now, the barrels do need to be checked by a competent gunsmith familiar with double barrel shotguns. "Hot blue" eats away at the solder of the ribs and other parts that hold the barrels together. They may be fine but have it checked out.
Also, the stock is surely a replacement but it has excellent figure and looks nice.
It's an heirloom so enjoy having it, and I hope you get to shoot it a bunch!

I measured the barrels last night and the were cut off at a little over 27".