#1351 questions & issues

[Scott Boal]

Thanks for the info. and insight everyone. I've learned so much that I am getting a better idea of what I don't know.

So here's another question that may show my ignorance...

I assume that a tang extension was an attempt to strengthen a weak stock and keep a gun usable for a bit longer. In the gun collecting/restoration world, does a tang extension require replacement or is there a place for retaining the extended tang and letting it be part of the gun's history? Does "restoration" demand tang replacement while "refurbishment" allows keeping the tang extension?

[Dean Romig]

I agree with your assumption as to the reason for the extended tang and if it were my gun I would leave it there as part of the gun's history, if it was well made, and simply work around it.

Here's another, 18544, with a homemade tang extension that was featured in Parker Pages a couple of years ago.



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[edgarspencer]

That is a very precise splice, Dean. Is it welded on?

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

That is a very precise splice, Dean. Is it welded on?

Yes it is welded.

[B. Dudley]

The retaining of a tang extension is, in my opinion something that should be done of not much else if being done to the gun. Or is refurbishment of the existing good parts is being done.
But, if a gun were being completely restored. Or in your guns case, a stock needs replacing due to catastrophic damage, it is my opinion that a tang extension be removed and the gang made correct again.
The only scenario that it would really justify it being left is if there is some way to document and prove that it was special order factory work.

[Dean Romig]

So Scott, as you can see, opinions will vary.

[Mike Franzen]

Restore the gun or sell it to someone who will. It's very satisfying to see one of these wrecks brought back by one of the wizards of wood and metal. It won't be cheap. It won't be worth what you have in it. But you will have saved another Parker. Put your initials on the shield and become part of that guns history.

[Mills]

The good news is the stock looks solid which is often not the case with early hammer guns. Looks like the receiver was blued at some point. My suggestion is to send it to a reputable gunsmith who knows Parkers and get them to evaluate it for you. The barrels being safe is the big part. I looks like an attractive early Parker.

Oh, don't forget to join PGCA where you can learn more about it and also order a research letter. Looks like there are surviving records on 3600, so you would enjoy learning more about your gun.