Identification of early Damascus gun

[Mike Ramey]

I have an early Damascus hammerless Parker 12 gauge, with all numbers matching on the frame, barrels, forearm. I am hoping that the more experienced members can help. Looking at the water table and the using the technical identification section of this site, I believe this is a DH (Grade 3) on a No. 2 frame made in 1897. It appears to have been heavily used (although it is actually pretty tight) and the stock has a non-original rubber buttplate. The barrels have been poorly repaired with solder at the muzzles. Reading about this Grade, it appears they came with the spear pointed extensions to the side panels. This stock does not.

My questions:

1) Am I correct about the gun's grade?
2) Is the buttstock not original to the gun?
3) What is a rough range of the value?

Thanks for your help. Really enjoying the forum.

Mike

[John Knobelsdorf II]

Price & Fjestad, Parker gun serialization list (page 293) for 87354 tells us to expect:

D3 H 0 C 12 30

Hammerless, Grade 3 with Damascus barrels, capped pistol grip, no extra options, in 12 gauge with a 30 inch barrels.

What I can make out of the engraving is confirming to me that it is indeed grade 3 (as marked on the water table).

What I can see of the stock suggests that it is from another different Parker Brothers shotgun.

What is the length of the barrels right now today?

Any family history for this one?

Feel free to send me a private message here on the board.

[BRDHNTR]

That Parker has been as they say,"rode hard and put away wet".

[Researcher]

Your gun appears to have been restocked with a lower grade stock. That German Silver shield in the toe-line of the stock was a feature of the VH, PH and GH quality guns. The Quality DH got the drop-points on the stock cheeks and an oval-shaped silver shield --

207979 08.jpg

Quality D.H. Ejector Catalog.jpg

The home page shows information available for a research letter on your serial number, so perhaps a letter might address the restock.

[David Noble]

The checkering pattern on the stock looks like GH grade.

[Mike Ramey]

The barrels are currently 26 1/4"
As far as the history of the gun, this one belonged to my grandfather. He owned several really nice Parkers, as well as a few in rougher shape like this one. I plan to move several of them on to new homes, but want to make sure I am correctly identifying and appropriately pricing them.

[David Noble]

I hope you will offer them here on the Parker for sale forums.