Wm Parker Percussion Damascus Barrel 10 gauge
Hello gentlemen (and ladies!) I'm hoping someone can provide information and/or direct me to a good source to find out more about an earlier Wm. Parker double barrel muzzleloader which is an early one.
I understand that this particular firearm was originally made as a flintlock, and later returned to the Parker factory where it was converted to a percussion, maybe around 1840. It bears the makers mark indicating that which is plain once you remove the barrels. This one has damascus twist barrels. It is double hammered.
Both hammers match and it is in remarkable shape. I heard that a similar one sold for a whopping $80,000.... but I also heard Elvis is alive. If there is any truth in that, I would have to see it for myself (and Elvis too!). It has a twist barrel and original patina. It's a pretty muzzleloader. I think it is a 10 gauge long, but I've seen one as a 9 gauge listed, although it is different than this one.
I'd appreciate any information and/or referrals to any resources that are available so that I can make an intelligent decision as to what this particular item actually is. I have photos if anyone needs to see what I am talking about, and am begging for help here, (beg beg) as I generally sell antiques and am basicaly a firearm virgin, although I did manage to stumble through listing a few firearms myself at an auction site and did it sucessfully and without any problems. Can anyone help me? Many thanks! Robin
Robin Anderson
I understand that this particular firearm was originally made as a flintlock, and later returned to the Parker factory where it was converted to a percussion, maybe around 1840. It bears the makers mark indicating that which is plain once you remove the barrels. This one has damascus twist barrels. It is double hammered.
Both hammers match and it is in remarkable shape. I heard that a similar one sold for a whopping $80,000.... but I also heard Elvis is alive. If there is any truth in that, I would have to see it for myself (and Elvis too!). It has a twist barrel and original patina. It's a pretty muzzleloader. I think it is a 10 gauge long, but I've seen one as a 9 gauge listed, although it is different than this one.
I'd appreciate any information and/or referrals to any resources that are available so that I can make an intelligent decision as to what this particular item actually is. I have photos if anyone needs to see what I am talking about, and am begging for help here, (beg beg) as I generally sell antiques and am basicaly a firearm virgin, although I did manage to stumble through listing a few firearms myself at an auction site and did it sucessfully and without any problems. Can anyone help me? Many thanks! Robin
Robin Anderson
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Hello Robin...
I have serious doubts that it was ever a flintlock ignition shotgun. By the year 1840, percussion fireams (which used caps) were the rule. The only Wm. Parker shotguns that I have ever encountered where hammered cartridge guns. Can you post a picture?
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
I would love to if only I could figure out how to get it listed here. I can email it, this must be older than 1840, as it has plugs on either side where it was altered. Where something was when it was a flintlock. If you can walk me through the images, I'll post. I get so far as the image button and it puts a symbol there, but I don't know how to get my image transferred in there.
Robin Anderson0 -
I don't have a web site so I see there is no way for me to post an image here. I'll be happy to email one tho. my email is andersonantiques@earthlink.net
Robin Anderson0 -
Get in touch with me through the contact link in my profile. I am by no means an expert on pre cartridge shotguns, but I can get you pointed in the right direction.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Good Afternoon Robin: Sounds to Me like you have a William Parker Shotgun...He was in business from 1790 to 1840.....
He/His Shop, made both Flintlock and Percussion Shotguns. Percussion came into its own in 1826 in France, and by the mid 1830's was being used throughout Europe...I'd have to see this Gun in person before I could claim Conversion was done upon it! The Wm.Parker Flintlock in Very Good Condition is Worth $4500.00 and thats with The Engraving and Enlays......and not altered in anyway..............
The Wm.Parker Percussion Gun, with Good Engraving and Not a Converted Gun is Worth $2000.00........
Condition Means everything to a Collector. Wood has to be High Quality, No Cracks, Splits , Dents and or Dings or Scratches..Metal has to be in Excellent Condition, No Dents and No Rust and No Seperated Solder Joints and or Bleeding Oxidation where the barrels are joined together..Ferrals attached and equipted with original Ram Rod..Triggers and Trigger Guard, Butt Plate Good Condition and original to the Gun...Escussion Plates still affixed to the Fore Stock..[thats the little plates that the Flat Pin goes thru the wood to hold the barrels to the stock]...The Screws all have to be in very good condition...Not all buggered up and the engraving marled up..This happens to many engraved guns...and caused by the use of a screw driver that don't fit the slot correctly....anyway...That about covers your questions.....Welcome to the Ask the Experts Forum.....Best.....
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff<P><BR>0
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