New Member with and "Old Parker"

[Kurt Clawson]

I've finally gotten around to going through some of my dad's old hunting gear following his passing about 8 years ago and I ran across a Parker shotgun I only vaguely remember him even having. The story was that it had belonged to his dad but he wasn't really sure if his dad had bought it new from Parker or from a friend.

I'll post some pictures shortly but it appears to not have much in the way of markings. What I can tell is that it's a 12 gauge, hammered, top-lever with what I believe to be the SN#2007 marked on barrel underside just ahead of the forestock tip. It's labeled "Laminated Steel" on the topside and it appears to have a few inspection watermarks on the receiver table which I'll need to look at under a loop to determine what they are.

Filling out the form right now to request a Research Letter to see if I can find much more out about it. The website says there are records for that SN. I'm thinking it might be a "Dollar Grade" based on the lack of other grade markings and the engraving on the receiver and trigger guard. Guess we'll find out.

Thanks for keeping the Parker legend alive.

[Bruce A Lyons]

Does the gun say Parker Bros.? It should have numbers on the action, barrels, forend and trigger guard.

[Kurt Clawson]

Bruce, thanks for the post. It does say "Parker" engraved on the sides of the receiver, but not "Parker Bros". Also has the classic Parker dog head butt plate but doesn't say Parker on it. Measured the barrel which is 29.75".

Here are some pics of everything I could find in the way of markings. Some are hard to see in the pics. The number 2007 is on the bottom of the barrel just ahead of the forestock tip. Probably can't read it in the picture. And it says Laminated Steel engraved on the ramp topside.

Happy to take more pictures of anything to help identify what this is. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Bruce A Lyons]

Its an import, not a Parker Bros. gun.Probably from Belgium

[Drew Hause]

It does indeed have Belgian proofmarks, likely pre-1898. 'AL' is the mark of Arnold Lochet
http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge...rnold%20gb.htm
It was not of high quality when new, and should be assigned to a place of honor in memory of your father.

[Kurt Clawson]

Thanks for the info guys! Disappointing that it's not a real Parker Bros but you've set me off on an investigation that's pretty fascinating and fun.

I'm excited to determine if it came from Sears, Montgomery Wards, or some other reseller. Regardless of it's value it'll have an honored spot and a great story to tell behind it.

Thanks again for all your help.

[David Hamilton]

Get some Balistol and treat all the metal with it. It will remove the rust and preserve the metal. David