Q2 1882 12ga Lifter Pls Advise

[Bill Murphy]

You should start by getting the barrels measured, both bores and wall thickness. Mr. Del Grego does not normally work on Damascus barrel guns. For a barrel examination and possible cleaning up of the pits, I would recommend Keith Kearcher in Oregon for the best bang for the buck. Maybe send the whole gun to him.

[jerry serie]

Again Thanks to everyone for all your help and encouragement. I'm definitely going to send it off for tightening, cleaning, and barrel evaluation.

Bill, thanks for your suggestion on Keith Kearcher. I'm assuming he is quite up on Parker's. I intend to send the entire gun to clean and put back on face. The wood needs to have some of the old dark varnish removed too.

Dean, thanks for your input on the Damascus barrels. What do you make of the John Stokes and stylized 9 on the barrel lugs. Didn't he mostly contribute to the rebounding locks and so why would his stamp appear on the barrels? Also, with some cleaning will the engraving be more clear and pronounced? I like the old patina appearance but would like to highlight the engraving some. The left side engraving looks to be sharptails and the right side looks to me like cranes with long necks and bills. Your thoughts?

Jerry