What do I have?

[kurt coon]

Parker Bros., 12G. Damascus barrels. The markings on the water table are,

2
92714
G
Damascus barrels, hammerless, the bores shine like mirrors, locks up tighter than any modern SxS I have ever held. I also have the original leather take down case, although the cleaning rod was misplaced sometime over the last 30 years. Condition is about par with age. Some minor dings in the furniture. The finish on the barrels looks more brown than some of the Damascus black and white I have seen. Case color pretty much gone.
The last time this was fired, would have been in the "50's" when my Dad hunted using Winchester AAs. He didn't know about Damascus There is a long and interesting story about how this fine shotgun came into my family's possession. I am the third generation to own it.
Any information, or help, is greatly appreciated.

[Chris T.]

Looks like a GH 12 ga., pistol grip stock with factory 26" barrels. Lets hear the story!!

[kurt coon]

Thanks for the reply.
Now for the rest of the story. The original purchaser of this shotgun, was the man who started the refrigerator company that became "Gibson". My grandfather worked there. The gun was at the gunsmith's, for whatever reason, I don't know, when the owner passed away. The gunsmith thought he had inherited a prize, but my grandfather, knowing about this gun, bought it from the widow. The gunsmith thinking he could keep it, was just a little bit upset.
How's that for history?

[kurt coon]

Originally Posted by Chris Travinski

Looks like a GH 12 ga., pistol grip stock with factory 26" barrels. Lets hear the story!!

Yes 26" barrels, pistol grip, but marked G, not GH. Was that common for the period? I learned from the serial #, that the manufacture date was 1899. Just looking for information.

[Chris T.]

Correct

[Harry Reed]

You can get really good information on this if you post some pictures. The expertise on this site is endless and what these folks can tell you about your family gun will be very worthwhile. Also, you can possibly get a letter that will describe how it left the factory and if it ever was returned for repairs or upgrades.

[Bill Murphy]

26" is uncommon. Value will hinge on condition.

[kurt coon]

Thank you all for the responses. I was looking for more Info, as to the desirability, value. Is this something a collector would have an interest in? Keep in mind, I have no intention of selling, I just want to know a ballpark value. I would really like to hunt with it. The feel and balance, makes me think woodcock and grouse. My concern is the Damascus. It's a shame that one should fear destroying a vintage firearm.

[B. Dudley]

Absolutely nothing can be said to answer those questions without knowing the condition of the gun for certain.

But, a GH with not much case color and wearing barrel finish would not be considered a "collectors" item. More of a shooter.

There is much more knowledge today about Damascus barrels and old guns than there was years ago. But i still overhear talk of damascus barrels being unsafe at local gun shows.

[kurt coon]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

26" is uncommon. Value will hinge on condition.

So, just curious , how do you rate the condition of a 117 yr. old firearm? Dents and dings in the wood? Wear caused by handling and use? Patina?
I have seen pics of restored Damascus barreled shotguns, Parkers specifically, and while they are beautiful, it just seems to me, restoration and refinishing, takes away the character and history. Why take an old gun and try to make it look like a new one?