If it is ugly and YOU want to have a nice Parker it is simple, restore/refinish it. Now if it is ugly, but it is still original the better. Do all you can to keep it original; stocks, buttplate, barrels, case colors, blueing/browning. If you restore it now you will end up with a seviceable and appealing Parker. I say do it. In the 1800's, firearms were tools. They were just as much a part of daily life as our computers of today. The difference is, IMHO, A Parker never becomes obsolete because of it's craftmenship. Tools don't last forever even if TLC is practiced. I would rather replace the wood handle on my father's old screw drivers or hammer handles rather then buy any new tool I can get my hands on. Parkers's are the same way. Bring them back to life. Enjoy them. But if you do it for profit you will never make out in the short term. To restore a Parker properly, with quality work, is expensive. So if you are motivated by the joy of shooting and owning a Parker, even a NICE Parker, I say do it. One thing is for sure, the next 100 years will not be near as hard on your Parker as the last 100 years were. I do promise you this, however, the craftmanship needed to restore a Parker will be very, very hard to find 100 years from now. Wonder what the topic of the day will be on this forum???
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