C Bernard restoration help needed

George M. Purtill Member #28 · 03-08-2013, 08:18 AM

I am starting on a mission to restore and preserve #30427 which letters as a C grade toplever in 12 gauge built in 1883 with Bernard.
as you can see from here and another thread, this gun is very un-cared for and will need lots to bring it back- not just money but research.
The 1895 Salesroom portfolio has some cuts that show the incredible beauty of this gun model. I was awed last night when I reviewed them.

I need good pictures of C grade guns of this vintage, particularly stocks, forends and left side engravings.
Thanks in advance. Bruce, Gary and Bill- HELP!!

George M. Purtill Member #28 · 03-08-2013, 08:20 AM

Pictures can also be emailed to me at george.m.purtill@snet.net

Big Friend Ten (BFT) · 03-08-2013, 08:20 AM

One word: Bachelder

George M. Purtill Member #28 · 03-08-2013, 08:26 AM

Here is the text from the PGCA letter. Am I looking for a second set of barrels?

Parker shotgun, serial number 30427, was ordered by the Jno. P. Lovell & Sons Co. of Boston MA on February 27, 1883 and shipped on July 19, 1883. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 13, it was a Quality C, Top Action hammer gun, 12 gauge. It featured Bernard steel barrels with a length of 30 inches.

The price was $150.00.

According to Parker Bros. Stock Book No. 12, the stock configuration was a capped pistol grip and its specifications were: Length of Pull: 14 ¼”, Drop at Heel: 2 3/4”, Weight: 8 pounds and 8 ounces. The chokes were patterned RH full and LH full.

According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 19, the gun was returned on August 8, 1886 by G.L. Brown of Jamaica NY to rebrown, rebore to shoot close, repair action, and blue butt. The price was $9.85. According to Parker Bros. Order Book No. 25, the gun was returned by Salem D. Charles of Boston MA to make & fit new pair of Damascus steel barrels same as old except RH cylinder and LH modified. The price was $30.00.

Dean Romig · 03-08-2013, 01:32 PM

I wonder what ever became of the Damascus replacement barrels???

You don't have both sets do you George?

George M. Purtill Member #28 · 03-08-2013, 01:36 PM

No- I wish i understood what the purpose of that order was.
The Bernards are perfectly sound I think.

Double Play · 03-08-2013, 02:29 PM

Second set with open chokes (cyl/mod).

Brent Francis · 03-08-2013, 08:36 PM

That looks like a great project. Where did you come across it?

Dean Romig · 03-08-2013, 10:35 PM

It's really too bad that the front trigger is bent back like that. That could really cost you a bunch to have it brought back to its correct conformation.

charlie cleveland · 03-09-2013, 07:43 AM

george you gona have a mighty nice gun when you get her done...but i like her the way she is too..i ve never got to run across a good find like you have maybe today will be my day...going to gunshow today... charlie