Parker Muzzel Loader Better Pictures

Buddy Stroud · 08-02-2010, 01:00 PM

Finnaly got some good Digital Pictures. Signature on side sure looks the same as a "PARKER BROS" !!! ???

I have an old Parker muzzel loader double barrel. The only markings are
PARKER on both side plates. It has working curly lock hammers ,dbl triggers,
42 inch barrels with 58 inches overall end of barrel to buttplate. I would
say it has 90%+ of the blueing on metal and stain / varnish on wood. The
wooden ramrod is missing but a friend's granddad said he would shoot it ,
just needed a peice of wire to clean out cap holes & some black powder. I
said no , he's 94 yrs old. Story is told that a great, great, great......
grandfather captured it during The Cival War and it killed 26 Yanks in 1 day
on a bayou in Louisianna. I have had in closet for 40 years. Can get wife to
take a couple pics when she gets home tonight if you want ! Anybody know how I
could get it appraised ?

Bill Murphy · 08-02-2010, 01:35 PM

That thing shows some care in its past, not the big gaps between wood and metal, nor the checkering worn flat or invisible that most old fowlers show. It is not made by the company we study and collect, but it's not a bad gun. Appraisal? I don't think you need one. It's worth more than $100 and probably not more than $450 and it will look pretty good above anyone's fireplace. If it turns out to be British, it will be worth a bit more than if it is Belgian in origin.

james van blaricum · 08-02-2010, 11:05 PM

I have the same gun in my collection. They were made in Belgium and exported to the USA. The Parker Bros. didnot make a muzzle loader. Sorry.

Buddy Stroud · 08-03-2010, 10:10 AM

James thanks for writing ! Belgium ??? Does your say "FINE LONDON TWIST" on top of the barrels ?

james van blaricum · 08-03-2010, 11:30 AM

You are correct and I am wrong, it must be the 110 degree heat we are having.
Sorry!!!!!

yoi

OH Osthaus · 08-03-2010, 09:14 PM

these don't all date back to the muzzleloader age, but they will give you an idea of the style British Vs Belgium.

http://www.phoenixinvestmentarms.com...Proofmarks.pdf

Buddy Stroud · 08-04-2010, 09:37 PM

James ,,, kinda chilly up there ain't it ?? Was 113 here today with 80% humidity ! Glad I was inside !

Buddy Stroud · 08-04-2010, 09:39 PM

Rick ,, any idea where I could find a proofmark ?? Have looked it all over ,, even had my glasses on ! LOL Thanks

OH Osthaus · 08-04-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddy Stroud

Rick ,, any idea where I could find a proofmark ?? Have looked it all over ,, even had my glasses on ! LOL Thanks

Look on the underside of the barrels, ahead of the breech plugs. They will be covered by the foreend

George Lander · 08-04-2010, 10:44 PM

Buddy: Just because the top rib reads" LONDON FINE TWIST" does not necessarily mean that the gun was made in England. When you look at the proofs you will probably see an "LG" perhaps in a diamond. That would mean that the barrels were made and proofed in Liege, Belgium. Nice Fireplace Decoration or Wallhanger.

Best regards, George