Help with CH 12G Parker fore-end

[B. Dudley]

Is it an ejector gun or an extractor? That is the main thing to consider when looking for a forend. Though finding an original and complete high grade forend may be difficult, it can be done if you are patient. And there MAY be issues with fit.

It may be best for you to consider having a new forend crafted from parts. An original 1 frame iron can be fitted, or an original unfitted iron can be fitted as well. New wood made and all parts engraved to match.

Would maybe be more than finding an original, but only way to guarantee a perfect fit. And, iron can be stamped so that non-originality would be hard to detect.

Cost of finding an original forend complete all depends on how much someone wants for such a high grade piece.

[Craig Larter]

Looks like an A to me based on the full coverage of engraving on the bottom. Very pretty gun.

[Dean Romig]

That would make it 172669

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

I just checked 4 A grades a nd 2 B grades, None had shields or ovals but all of them had the gold inlayed grip plate. Based on the engraving I would guess this gun to be a A grade. Most of the B grade guns we have seen tend to incorporate floral patterns. If this gun has been restocked it is extremely well done all the way down to the checkering master lines.

Brad

[Bill Murphy]

So, Peter, we think it's your turn. What is the grade marking on the receiver flat?

[Dean Romig]

And if you're confident that you can lift the trigger guard and rotate it counter-clockwise, without doing any damage to the screw or the wood, is the gun's serial number stamped into the channel?
I'm quite certain, believing it to be the original stock, you will find it there.

[edgarspencer]

All grades, B and above had gold grip caps on the pistol grip, and straight stocked guns had gold, oval shaped shields. The few that I've seen with POW grips had a cap of gold on the ball of the grip. I've seen some large shields shaped like the state highway sign too.
I was told that the grip caps were 18K. Can't say I've ever heard what the shields were. Even back then, I suspect they were gold filled (thicker layer of gold than gold plated), not solid.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

Even back then, I suspect they were gold filled (thicker layer of gold than gold plated), not solid.

I don't know if I'd agree with that... Take a look at some of the gold grip caps that were deeply engraved - I think they are solid gold.

[edgarspencer]

According to the stockman who had my BHE stock off, when he took the cap off, it was 'greenish' on the back. That sounds like brass to me. I have a high grade Bailey, Banks and Biddle watch with a deeply engrave monogram, but it's a 50 year GF case by Crescent Watch Case Co.

[Double Play]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

All grades, B and above had gold grip caps on the pistol grip, and straight stocked guns had gold, oval shaped shields.

Edgar,
As we have so often seen with Parkers there are always exceptions. The AHE featured on the cover of the autumn issue of Parker Pages had neither the gold grip cap nor a gold shield rather the owner requested his initials in gold on the trigger guard.