1876 Lifter questions

[James Turnbull]

I was recently "gifted" a 12 ga lifter wall hanger from another member of the Parker Gun Assoc who is also member of my trap and skeet club. The first lifter I had ever seen other than photos. After checking it out it is pretty rough, stock and been repaired, though now loose and unusable, barrels pitted, missing the left trigger, loose on the hinge, all in all probably a wall hanger. Serial # 8031, 30" tubes, stub twist, 14 1/2 lop.

Then, I received the new Parker Pages and low and behold the Lazarus gun looked about as bad as mine before repair. If mine could look half as good as the Lazarus gun, I'd jump on rebuilding it.

Would like any suggestions for a smith who could perhaps put this old girl back in action or at least check it out for repairs. If too far gone, so be it, it looks cool. Or perhaps someone could use some parts.

Looking forward for any suggestions, Jim

[Dean Romig]

The expense to recondition your gun would probably far exceed its value when completed.

I would recommend cleaning it and oiling it and prominently hang it for all to see.





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[James Turnbull]

Yes, I agree Dean it's probably best to hang it up. Side note, I'm from AZ and also enjoyed the last Parker Pages about quail hunting. Spent time chasing them North of Phx, Globe, and also Patagonia as I used to work those areas. I have two G grades and a VH. (plus an LCS.) Hunt with them all.

[John Cleveland]

Originally Posted by James Turnbull

Yes, I agree Dean it's probably best to hang it up. Side note, I'm from AZ and also enjoyed the last Parker Pages about quail hunting. Spent time chasing them North of Phx, Globe, and also Patagonia as I used to work those areas. I have two G grades and a VH. (plus an LCS.) Hunt with them all.

James, I imagine that Dean has forgotten more about Parkers than I ever WILL know, so I can't speak to what the $ value would be.

However, what I hope the article conveys is that the value to me has gone way beyond the dollars I could get for it. If it is sold, it will probably be in an estate sale. As the old credit card ad went, the experience of having it restored and using it in the field, "...is priceless." Of course I had a lifetime relationship with it in its prior condition and memories of my father giving it to me. "Your mileage may vary!" Also, as I quoted Mills, “There is something very satisfying about bringing a worn gun back and being able to leave it better than you found it.”

I didn't catch where you are located, but in the event that you want to explore restoring it, I think that the pictures make the case for what Bill Schwarz, Ellijay GA, can do with a "wreck of a gun". Or, given your last name, maybe you could go to a famous NY restorer and ask for a "family discount"!

Actually, Wednesday, I hope to look at a gun that sounds like it may be almost a brother to my gun. Apparently it also needs a new stock, perhaps a hammer, and who knows what else. Mmm...I probably ought to go back and re-read Dean's warning before I go see it! But the idea of a brace of restored Parker hammer guns has an attraction.

[Harold Pickens]

Pictures of the gun would be helpful, and although I do agree with Dean, Edgar Spencer, another PGCA member that I hold hold in high regard, once told me that "there are some holes worth throwing money into".

[ArtS]

Originally Posted by Harold Lee Pickens

Pictures of the gun would be helpful, and although I do agree with Dean, Edgar Spencer, another PGCA member that I hold hold in high regard, once told me that "there are some holes worth throwing money into".

I whole heartedly agree with this, but you need to pick your hole.

If it were your grandfathers gun he used to feed two generations the answer is yes.

If it is a one of a kind that is historically significant the answer may be yes. If it is truly a rusty loose dangerous piece with no provenance, half the parts missing and worth $50 on a good day the answer absolutely not. Look around for 3 months. There are scores of similar guns that are serviceable but tired and needing attention that can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. You will save half the cost of the renovation for a few hundred dollars.

[James Turnbull]

Words of wisdom, however part of me wishes it could be restored. I may contact Turnbull Restorations, as in fact I suspect he may be a shirt tail cousin, my grandfather was from up state NY and had some brothers. Here in WA state Parkers are hard to come by, tho did find a 16 ga Trojan at a local shop the other day, guy wouldn't come up with a price. I seldom look at Ebay but maybe should, perhaps parts for a lifter would come up.

[Keavin Nelson]

James,
I restored the "Nelson" Parker that was a 3 generation gun, and it was a train wreck. Definitely more in it than I could ever get for it, but my son has already claimed it!