Sequel: Should I Keep It or Not?

Bruce B. · 02-14-2013, 05:29 PM

In a previous thread titled "Should I Keep It or Not?" I ended up sending the "GH" with the cracked wrist to Brad B. in Michigan. I have received the shotgun and I am so pleased! The stock is so strong now and the "crown" of the comb has been repaired as well as a few minor barrel dents removed. Before and after photos are included. This was simply a repair, in no way was this work intended as a restoration. Brad does nice work.
Something peculiar happened after I sent this Parker to Michigan, these guns multiply! Photos are also enclosed of the "growing family". The one on top is my recent 1900 "DH", the next one is the 1885 "Top Lever" "O" Grade, and lastly my original 1896 "GH". I am also refurbishing an old "Remington Expert" "Chamberlin Works" trap thrower that I inherited from my late father. My family and I are going to have so much fun when the weather warms up. It's snowing here in the foothills West of Fort Collins as I type.

Mills · 02-14-2013, 06:37 PM

Very nice!

I currently have a moratorium on more guns, but that may be lifted very soon

Mills · 02-14-2013, 07:59 PM

That is a good variety of Parkers as well. Very good condition for them all too

Bruce B. · 02-14-2013, 08:33 PM

Mills, It's surprising that the hammer gun has the best bores of the three. Also the hammer gun has a buttstock with a capital "R" stamped between the lower tang and the grip cap. Under the trigger guard the correct serial number is stamped with the additional grade stamping of "O". So apparently the gun was shipped to Remington for a replacement stock. The metal butt plate has been blued, it probably didn't come from the factory like that. All three guns have quite a bit of drop at the heel but that's okay, I'm 6'3".
I was at a gun show this past weekend and fondled an 1878 high grade, elaborately engraved Colt hammer gun in 10 gauge that was begging me to take home. The only thing that I couldn't wrap my head around was the 27 3/4" barrels. My research didn't turn up anything for that length. The checkering was very good also but the stock didn't have any finish at all, nothing a few weeks and some teak or tung oil wouldn't take care of. Impressive gun though. I love the "hunt".

StubTwist · 02-14-2013, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Bruner

The metal butt plate has been blued, it probably didn't come from the factory like that.

This my early lifter 4071 with the original rust blue on the steel butt plate.

Mills · 02-14-2013, 08:38 PM

I let a 10 gauge hammerless Colt go right before Christmas and it still hurts to think about it. Christmas is a trying financial time around here though.

I am negotiating on a Parker Repro 20 right now, so we will see how that goes. It belonged to my Great Uncle, so it has sentimental value as well

Autumn Daze · 02-14-2013, 08:51 PM

Bruce, The "R" stamped in your stock has nothing to do with Remington. As far as I know Remington would not work on any damascus barreled Parkers. Also the blued butt plate on your wonderful hammergun is correct. Thats how it left the factory.

Bruce B. · 02-14-2013, 09:08 PM

Well that's fantastic news! My assumption was totally wrong. The gun's serial number under the trigger guard's lower extension means that the stock is original to the gun. Wonderful news. And the butt plate being blued is also pleasing news. I wonder what significance the "R" has? Perhaps "Robert".
Thank you!

charlie cleveland · 02-14-2013, 08:46 PM

mills i have a super nice 10 hammerless colt i bought several years ago...these guns were really built good... i think the letter i got with it said it was sold in 1886 to some hardware store in montana...best gun i got but it does not get used like the old parker 10... charlie

Mills · 02-15-2013, 06:56 AM

It could mean Quality R which was one of the letter grades of lower grade hammer guns. Post some photos of the R if you can