What do I have?

[Robert Delk]

Just make sure that whoever looks at it is someone that actually does restoration and is someone that is on the "approved" list. Lots of guys out there that say they are "restoration experts" but couldn't correctly restore a hardware store clunker.Don't be shy about asking for references.Gun does not have to be made to look like new to be given a new lease on life and to seriously enhance the value.

[DeAn Durham]

It's Herschel Chadick in Terrell. He was referred to me by Bruce Day from here. I've heard very good things about him and he is closest to where I live. If someone from this site holds him in high regards, I will give him a go.

[Robert Delk]

Mr. Chadick has certainly seen his share of Parkers but is not a gunsmith and I would take that into account when talking with him. He would certainly know of the men to talk to when it comes to doing any work on your gun.Just fixing the screws and cleaning the gun would add a lot and getting an evaluation of the condition with an eye to putting it back into shooting condition would be my first consideration.

[DeAn Durham]

I cannot for the life of me remember his gunsmith's name, but he is going to have him look at it as well. He is retired, but Mr. Chadick said he makes special exceptions for special guns. And my gun may be the case.....so I guess I'll see and take any advice that can be offered.

[Autumn Daze]

Dee, How close are you to Kerrville,Tx? Kirk Merrington is the best barrel man around and he hails from there. I have spent many an hour on the phone with him and he is a true gentleman. No one better to get an honest opinion from.

[DeAn Durham]

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

Dee, How close are you to Kerrville,Tx? Kirk Merrington is the best barrel man around and he hails from there. I have spent many an hour on the phone with him and he is a true gentleman. No one better to get an honest opinion from.

It shows to be a 5 hour drive from my place....too far for me Mr. Chadick's place is about an hour from me

[Robert Delk]

I would liken this gun to a stage 4 cancer patient and suggest that you get a second opinion before doing anything,or not doing anything.High end gunsmiths are like top end doctors and some are more willing,and able,to take on the "hopeless" cases.The gun is important and deserves a chance if any chance is at all viable.

[DeAn Durham]

My visit with Mr Chadick is done. He said it definitely is a rare Parker (C grade with O frame). But will require a LOT of time to restore it...

[Opening Day]

Originally Posted by Dee Durham

My visit with Mr Chadick is done. He said it definitely is a rare Parker (C grade with O frame). But will require a LOT of time to restore it...

What did he say needed to be done? This may be a second opinion idea.

Old bit of Chinese wisdom- if you want to know the true value of something you own, get the opinion of three non-related men who have no interest in buying it. Mr. Chaddick is a very well established gun dealer in Terrel, TX and has a good reputation, as does Jack Puglisi, Steven Cobb and other too numerous to mention here. However, I would also discuss this situation with Jess Brliley and also with Danny Clark of Collectors Firearms- both are in the Houston area. Mr. Chaddick is 100% correct in that the CH(E) guns are scarce, and the smaller sized frames and gauges may well be one reason for the value of your family Parker. The DH(E) or grade 3 numerically was not all that much different in engraving or stock checkering than the more costly CH(E), and was a bit like the fabled "red-headed stepchild" between the very popular DH(E) and the grade 5 BHE Parker, so there were not all that many manufactured. The late Ed Muderlak points this out in his book on the Parker- The Old Reliable and has some fine details about his visits and chats with Herschel Chaddick in past years. If you haven't yet read his writings, you might like to do so. And you are 100% correct about Bruce Day- if he makes a recommendation to you about guns and gunning, his advice is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar!