A Grade Restoration Query

[Dean Romig]

Repairing the original stock may prove to be less expensive than making a new stock befitting that gun.





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[B. Dudley]

A VERY unique gun is nearly all respects, mostly due to the engraving work on the gun.

If restoration is to be undertaken, only the best craftsmen should be considered who will devote the time and attention to detail required for a gun like this.

Unless you are limited by your budget, I would recommend just replacing the stock completely. Though a very good repair would be had from a cosmetic standpoint, if the gun is to be used at all, the structural integrity of the repair long term will always be a concern. New wood properly fitted will eliminate ANY concern.

[Kensal Rise]

Here's an interesting bit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Monterey_(BM-6)



"The Monterey operating from July 1900 to September 1901 as station ship at Shanghai, voyaging upriver to Nanking from 25 to 31 July 1902 with Special Commissioner T. S. Sharretts on board for a diplomatic mission..."



Also, please consider that the original stock of this gun is at least half of its historical value!

[Opening Day]

If you want to replace the stock go ahead, but keep the original stock and have it properly repaired. I think that if one of the craftsman that were mentioned above fixed the stock properly there would be no concern with shooting it with low pressure loads for the next fifty years or more. I know of a of a Boss shotgun that the stock was in four pieces and one of the above fixed it and you can barely see the repair and he has been shooting if for the five years without a hiccup....

[edgarspencer]

Sometimes, a coincidence is just a coincidence.

Barrette Sharretts

[Craig Larter]

Corey you are a very fortunate man to be the caretaker of a unique Parker. Thanks for posting the pictures for us lovers of American gun art. The gun would maintain it's maximum value by having a top stock man repair the original stock in my opinion. Tell us a little more about how you came upon the gun. Craig Larter

[Setter Man]

That is a piece of history. Wow.

[Corey Barrette]

Regarding the gun, my wife had seen advertised a gun cabinet that she knew I could use; having outgrown my existing 12 gun case by haf as many.

Upon stopping by to pick up the cabinet, I mentioned to the seller that I collected shotguns; most recently, for the past few years, Parkers. He mentioned that he knew there was a Parker, one of two guns in this family, that may be for sale. I took the pics while visiting and talking with him about it. He needed a bit of time and recently contacted me to discuss further. He wants it to go to a collector vs. a dealer.

So, at the end of the day, if it all works out, I can blame my wife for locating it and uncovering a fine gun and a bit of history.

Certainly, my first, and likely only, experience with a ‘barn find’. Fascinating as well for me to be part of this organization and for the years of experience openly shared. All part of the magic. Thanks.

[TxHuntermn]

Great story. As an aside, I have Pape english 12 that Dave Wolf repaired a smashed wrist on 20 years ago. I have shot many many 3 3/4-1 1/4 pigeon loads thru that gun, and have had no issues. It was at least as bad as that beautiful Parker!

[Corey Barrette]

If all works out, based on the feedback, that’s the route I’m likely to take. Thanks for the vote of confidence.