Inherented Parker

Carl Meyer · 10-31-2016, 09:40 AM

I have inherited serial number 124850. I am thinking this is 12 gauge but I a am not 100% sure.

So far I gather it is a 1904 with titanic barrels. It looks to be a number 2 frame with #3 steel.

My grandfather inherited it when great great grandfather passed away in 1940. I am fairly sure it has not been fired in 50 years. It came with a leather case to store the barrels in one section and the rest below it.

I am just looking for guidance on what to do next with it. I want someone to check it out and would love to fire it since it has been in the family. I don't plan to hunt or really use it.

Thank you

Dean Romig · 10-31-2016, 10:01 AM

You should have the barrels checked for dents, pitting, rust (looks like they have plenty of rust patches on the surface) measured for safe barrel wall thickness and if all checks out good, have the barrels properly rust-blued, at the least, then enjoy shooting it. It looks like a good candidate for another lifetime of shooting and hunting.

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OH Osthaus · 10-31-2016, 10:01 AM

welcome

that serial number lists as a grade 3 12 gauge with 30 inch Titanic steel barrels

f you let us know where you are - someone may be able to give some advice on who can help you

Carl Meyer · 10-31-2016, 10:30 AM

Awesome! In 1904 my great great grandfather would have been around 50 years old. I am guessing that it was a big purchase at that time. I also have a photograph of him holding this shotgun it must have been important to him.

I am in Northern Illinois near Rockford.

Bruce Day · 10-31-2016, 10:56 AM

In 1904, a DH grade gun listed for $100, when a Winchester repeating shot gun listed for $18, and lesser double guns could be purchased for $50. It was a major and well considered purchase by your forebear.

We regularly use these guns today for hunting and target sports.

Yours has some cosmetic challenges, that is to be expected, but usually they are nothing that cannot be carefully corrected. Welcome, enjoy and take care of it.

Garth Gustafson · 10-31-2016, 06:07 PM

One of the best in the Midwest is Brad Bachelder in Grand Rapids, Mi. He does outstanding restoration work.
616-459-3636

Brian H · 10-31-2016, 06:50 PM

great gun you have

wayne goerres · 10-31-2016, 08:25 PM

I would get a letter on this gun if possible.

Carl Meyer · 10-31-2016, 08:42 PM

A letter is possible according to the site. I just need to budget what I can do. Plus I should find a good place to keep it at the house. I am not really a hunter or a big gun guy but I have a couple family pieces and want to take care of them.

Everyone here has been so helpful, a couple million dollar questions?
Approximate Value?
Approximate cost to have restored?

I am just looking for some ballpark ideas. I have seen some of the auction site's prices but people can ask anything doesn't mean people will pay it. Of course I am not selling, but it will help me decide on how to store it and make a case to buy a new gun cabinet.

Alfred Greeson · 11-01-2016, 12:06 AM

Like Bruce said, that was a high dollar gun in 1904 and to inherit that quality Parker is really special. A D grade is something to be proud of for sure and for it to be a family piece makes it priceless. Learn and take your time with it, you can do a lot to one but you can't put back the wear and tear put on by your family members and that you may not want to loose. I have pieces that I let my Father have years ago and now I have inherited them with a lot of wear that he put on them and I would not change a thing to take away the use he put on them. Enjoy, you have inherited something that had to be a prized possession for many years and a real source of pride.