restoration underway 12 gauge VH ...?

[nomoregophers@msn.com]

I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy fixing and using other peoples throw aways.That said ,the level of restoration for this piece is under your wisdom and experience.
The owner insisted it was trash and to throw it away,so it was not hard for her to let me have it.It was under brackish water for 7 months in New Orleans, you can imagine what it looked like!When I got it home it was dissasembled with the metal [less barrels] put in brake fluid until now.The cleaning and restoration and workability of moving parts is done and the original quality of the gun made that possible.
What is needed x. trigger linkage for left barrel
x. replace or repair stock [I'm prone to make it myself]
x. present barrel thickness verification
x. year made and model information
x. probably other things I need know about
Photos will follow in about 4 days.
These are the numbers........Barrel.........V [type of steel ?]
3 [11]barrel weight ? llbs ozs?
Breech block.....struck with 12 and 114
Serial 184554 [on action]
Model VH

Under the PARKER BROTHERS name is patented Jan 18
Aug 15 1887
this next one was double struck Oct 25 1910
Aug 15
On top of barrels it looks like
Parker Bros. makers Meridian Ct. USA Vulcan Steel Works? this condition is terrible to read even after prep to read was done.
Overall I am exited and pleased with the progress and quality of the restoration thus far.
Of course the first people to see the gun before disassymbly was a western gunshop [popular] and name witheld to protect the guilty.They also told me to trash it ,or don't bother,not worth restoring,hang it on the mantel, and refused to try to identify the gun. I guess the condition of the gun made it a joke to them but not to me.
I appreciated all sound advice and help....Thankyou...Art

[Bill Murphy]

We would appreciate before and after pictures. Quantity of pictures, more better than fewer.

[Mike Poindexter]

I wonder how many wonderful guns were lost in Katrina. I heard either Al Hirt or Pete Fountain or some other well known musician lost quite a few collectibles. Guess there won't be many 4000 years from now--sort of like we look at Egyptian and Chinese artifacts. Enjoy them while youve got them.

[Pauly B.]

Art, as anyone directed you to the technical information on this site? If not: go to the home page and scroll down the list of links on the left side. You will find most of the info you are seeking. What number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug?

[nomoregophers@msn.com]

Paul...the number is 12.the albumn now has pics on it,it took longer than I thought.Art

[nomoregophers@msn.com]

I have been offered Oak,white maple and walnut for the stock replacement. What should I use? Art

[Dean Romig]

Walnut.

[Autumn Daze]

Here we go again....