Just looking for opinions

Steve Jacobs · 11-30-2009, 11:26 PM

So here are some pics of my Great Grand Dad's Parker 20 gauge. I've had it for years and never really thought about much about it until I stumbled onto this web site. I've done some of the basic research on the gun but would like for some experienced eyes to give their opinion. Any comments on condition and value would be appreciated. The barrels are Damascus if you can't make it out in the pics, and are clean and shiny inside except for some minor surface rust. After looking at it closely I can see that a good cleaning is in order and I'll also need to take it out for a little exercise. I still have some old shells that Pops had with it.

Brush Buster · 12-01-2009, 12:39 AM

Hello Steve and welcome to the Club !! Your gun was manufactured in 1899 ,according to the serialization book and it left the factory , a # 2 or a GH grade ,Damascus barreled 20 Ga. with 28 " barrels , and a capped pistol grip stock .It is a very desirable gun being an early 20 Ga. and G grade gun ,the condition appears a little neglected ,as you say you never really gave the gun much thought ,but with a little clean up ,you will have a very nice gun ,If the gun is correct and the barrels aren't too badly pitted or dented badly ,it is a very desirable gun ,close up pics.and a little more info. on condition ,there are members here that will be able to give you a estimate on the value better than I can ! Looks like a very nice gun and you are fortunate to have your Grand Dads Parker !! Russ

Richard Flanders · 12-01-2009, 07:14 AM

Nice gun! It does need a good cleaning and inspection, inside and out. I'd take that leather pad off the butt to see if it has discolored the finish. If it has, leave it off if you plan to store it for a long period again. As Russ said, that's a very desirable Parker for certain.

Harry Collins · 12-01-2009, 07:40 AM

Steve,

I always wonder what someone does when they say they are going to "clean it up". I would not do anything than give the metal a bath with Hoppe's No. 9 solvent and light work with 0000 steel wool. A good rub down and a light coat of oil. I would not use the old shells. I would order some 2 1/2" shells from RST www.rstshells.com and be a happy man.

Great looking Parker and please don't do to much to her.

Kindest, Harry

Brush Buster · 12-01-2009, 08:02 AM

Harry; I agree , A little clean up to me is just exactly as you said and go very easy with the 0000 steel wool, a fellow surely doesn't want to polish the parts to a silver !And as Harry said ,the RST ,2 1/2 shells in # 7 1/2 and # 6 shot are deadly for Pheasant and Grouse ! PS , Does the gun still have it spurred dogs head butt plate ? I really like those plates ! .

Dean Romig · 12-01-2009, 02:21 PM

Count me among those who recommend just the lightest clean-up. Go easy on that 0000 steel wool and don't use any other abrasives. Be very careful how you clean the wood too. Don't use any solvents touch the wood finish.

A very nice little GH. If you hunt upland birds that gun is just the ticket!

Steve Jacobs · 12-01-2009, 08:48 PM

Thanks to all of you for your comments. The cleanup will happen this weekend and I am very careful about abrasives. Usually use #9 or WD-40 with a good rag and alot of elbow grease. 2 more questions: What's best for the case, Neatsfoot oil? It's really dried out and I get covered with powdery fibers every time I handle it. I'd like to get it as healthy as possible. The other question is about the cleaning rod. From the pics you can see that I only have the first two sections and am missing the piece that the brush screws on to. Any ideas where to get an original replacement?

Also thanks to "Admin" whoever that is for getting my registration straightened out, Great Site!!

Drew Hause · 12-01-2009, 09:36 PM

Steve: check here for some clean up suggestions for both your treasure and the leather case (scroll down to the bottom)
http://www.lcsmith.org/faq/cleangun2.html