Question as to originality or restoration.

[Timothy Salgado]

I would like some opinions as to the originality of two of my Parker shotguns. Both are VH 12 gauge guns and I checked their serial numbers in the serialization book and they match the listed configurations. I purchased Gun #1 over a decade ago when I retired from my first career and was collecting examples of American made shotguns. At the time the only thing I knew about Parkers is what I read about them in Michael McIntosh's book Best Guns. I purchased Gun #2 a couple of years ago and I believe it is a restoration of some sort as the case colors are different than # 1 , the extractor looks to be replaced, etc. It could be that both guns are restorations, I don't have enough experience to be sure. I took photos with and without the flash in an effort to show the case colors clearly. Thanks in advance for any opinions as the determination of originality will be directing a future Parker purchase.
Gun # 1

[Timothy Salgado]

Here are the photos of Gun #2

[Dean Romig]

Gun #1 appears to have been cosmetically restored.

Compare your colors with the original case colors on the gun I posted in the "Finally" thread.





.

[Dean Romig]

Gun #2 has been color case hardened using the cyanide process but I won't say it has been redone. Are there any Remington date codes on the left barrel flat next to the lug?


I may have just seen the answer to my own question - it has a Remington Parker buttplate.
Leading me to believe it may have gone to Ilion for refurbishment. It isn't a Remington era Parker but it looks like it may have spent some time in their shop.





.

[B. Dudley]

Both guns have been completely refinished.

[Timothy Salgado]

Thanks for the quick replies. When I get the chance I’ll take them down and check for any codes.

[Timothy Salgado]

I just have one more follow up question, I thought Gun # 2 was colored using the cyanide method as Dean mentioned. Any idea what method was used to recolor Gun #1?