New member new gun

[Jimmerp]

Good evening
I have been a long time enthusiast for classic doubles. I already own some other American , English and Italian guns. I made a large leap into the Parker world with the recent acquisition of a 1905 BHE. It’s 12g, 2 3/4 on a 2 frame. I did get a research letter on the gun and I am very pleased to say it is as ordered minus hunting wear. The case is negligible, barrels and bore good, wood has dings and dents no breaks or alterations. Fully functioning.
I love the gun but not sure how to proceed. Maintaining the guns value is paramount, can it be refreshed as the english guns often are without depreciation? Or should it get a full blown restoration?
Thanks.
James(Jim)

[OH Osthaus]

pictures please

but on the whole for American doubles collectors - generally - original with honest wear is better unless there are condition issues that require repairs -

[Patrick Barrett]

Welcome! I'm relatively new as well but... you've come to the right place. Good people here with vast knowledge and willing to share it also.

A Parker is a gun to behold. I was lucky to be given a Parker 12 when I was a young kid. I still have it and treasure days out shooting her. I recently added a Remington 1894 10ga to my stable; she's like a big Parker. Its all good! Welcome!

[Gerald McPherson]

Welcome James. I've heard that name some where before I think.

[Harry Collins]

The name is associated with a small shop on South Audely Street W1

[Jimmerp]

Ha yes is true. I share the name minus the e in the last. It makes for some raised eyebrows among the gun club. I don’t currently have one of my namesakes guns but I am sure one will find its way to me at some point.
I will get some pictures of my Parker up over the weekend. Cheers!
Jim

[Jimmerp]

So finally got some pics together. My question about the restore stems from the damage on the stock at base of checkered panel on left side. It isn’t structural but it some serious marring done long ago.

[Jimmerp]

Some of the wood.

[Researcher]

Beautiful gun. Congrats. Flyers look out!!

To my eye, something is amiss about that forearm. Shouldn't the forearm tip of a 1905 vintage BHE-Grade have the raised eyebrow?

115798 Forearm a.jpg

160273 08a.jpg

Likewise shouldn't it have full coverage checkering? According to The Parker Story, 1905, in the 134xxx serial number range was the transition from the Titanic Steel barrels to the Acme Steel barrels for the BH-/BHE-Grade.

[B. Dudley]

What a fantastic gun!!! With some very interesting features.

A research letter, if available should verify a lot of information on the gun and these features.

I have no doubt that the monte carlo stock is factory original as the form of the stock in completely correct for that style of comb. The butt treatment is a big question. It could have been fitted with an ssbp or a pad originally, or maybe even wood checkered like it is presently, but the shape of it looks a bit off and maybe altered some. But the length looks right.

Safety delete is a special order feature for sure.
The engraving is very unique in that it has no game scenes on the sides. What does the bottom look like? No game as well? All floral and scroll on grades like this are usually always on special request. And the deeper relief floral on the sides is somewhat atypical for the grade.

Dave (researcher) mentions the style of the forend tip. It is the later style tip. And i see that the forend looks like it could have a lot less signs of wear than the buttstock. I suspect that the barrels and forend may be an additional set added later on in the 1920s. When a set of barrels were added, they would also have their own forend assembly to go with them. That would explain the style of the forend tip for sure.
Does your barrel forend lug and forend iron have a “2” stamped on them? Or any sort of number?

Or, the original barrels could have outright been replaced for one reason or another.