1914 12 ga

[Craig]

New to the Forum and have some questions.

I recently found what has turned out to be a family heirloom of a shotgun. It's a 1914 Parker Brothers 12 ga serial number 168281. The stock is in good condition. It has no butt plate. The spring that operates the lever that holds the barrels closed needs replaced, and the bluing is probably around 50-80%. I'm curious as to what the value of this shotgun might be based on my description.

Will its value increase if I have it professionally restored? I wouldn't attempt this myself and I don't want to cold blue it.

As far as restoration I was thinking of having it professionally re-blued and the broken spring fixed as well as the butt plate replaced. The finish on the stock is actually still really nice so I don't think i'd have it refinished.

If I had the barrels modified to accept modern 2 3/4 ammunition would this detract from the value?

I think if I ever hunt with it maybe just for bird hunting and i'd like to use it for shooting skeet. I'd never fire slugs out of it. I'm probably going to buy a Stoeger Uplander 28" 12 ga for that.

Thanks in advance.