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Very old shotgun

ChrisReeves
Hello my name is Christopher Reeves i have just been given a shotgun from my father that has been in my family for years, i would like to know how much its worth and how old it is

http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0354.JPG
here is a picture of the stock and the back of the shotgun
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0355.JPG
here is the front stock and barrel (note picture is a little fuzzy)
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0357.JPG
picture of the right side of beginning of the barrel with engravings of duck flowers and it says "KERBROS"
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0358.JPG
the left side has to flying geese and flowers
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0359.JPG
between the two barrels it has who made it " PARKER BROS MAKERS. MERIDEN CONN. DAMASCUTS STEEL"
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0361.JPG
under the front part of the stock it says "PATD. MAR. 36. 1878"
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0365.JPG
on the bottom of the stock there is what looks like a bronze sherrif badge
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0368.JPG
under the triggers there is some ingravings of pecocks in the grass and flowers around it
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0371.JPG
pucture of the breech
http://www.istartusa.com/timesatwar/100_0372.JPG
inside this i found some of the key infomation or at least i think
the serial number 58719 and inside i found some writing on the left side
5879
G
MAR. 16 1875

on the right side i found
PAT D JAN 18 AUG 16 1887
under it was
MAY 17 OCT 8 1889

on the barrels there is flower engravings all up the lenght of the barrel but some are rubbed out or almost gone but u can still see them any infomation on this rifle how much its worth or any pointers on how to get it looking better would be greatly appreciated thans in advance
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • ChrisReeves
    I know absolutely nothing about this old wall hanger. It has no marks and
    missing a hammer. This may be an impossible ID but here goes, anyway.[8D]

    6f9078c0.jpg

    49e07a87.jpg

    48718cd4.jpg

    1d6f7814.jpg
    Butt is carved - looks like a toucan head.

    d249f11d.jpg
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  • nord
    You have a damascus-type shotgun. Parker is a very good name, but I suspect the gun isn't worth a whole lot of money.

    Photos didn't quite make the trip so I really can't say much more.

    Nord
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  • 101AIRBORNE
    Welcome Chris,
    I also am unable to see your photos clearly.
    The serial number would indicate an approximate manufacturing date of
    1889. The "G" likely stamped on the water table is the grade/quality.
    If you could provide better photos, I/we could give you an estimate.
    One must consider the strong original condition of the Parker. Percent
    of original case colors on the receiver, percent of original finish on the barrels, bore condition, percent of original varnish on the walnut, blue left on the trigger guard, any alterations, lock up, etc.
    Just too many variables. A Parker is not a rare gun - the original strong finish dictates the estimate. Been buying, shooting and selling Parker's for over forty years. Come on back with some better photos. Your frame size is stamped on the barrel locking lug- a number
    or a number and a fraction. Grade/quality is a letter. Barrel weight
    sans wood and attaching iron will be stamped on the underside of the barrels. Good luck.
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  • rufe-snow
    "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms", ISBN: 0-874349-313-3, has a section devoted to Parker Brothers Shotguns and there values. This is the basic reference text for US antique firearms, everybody uses it. Most public libraries have it in their reference section or can obtain it on a interlibrary loan. This would be a good place to start in researching the history and value of your family heirloom.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by 101AIRBORNE
    I completely disagree w/ ruff-snow.
    I am aware of many books that cover the Parker.
    The truth is being aware of what you are looking for, knowledge
    and experience. A "hands on" knowledgable experienced Parker person
    is the person you need. ruff-snow, I do not believe is qualified.



    I never made any statement(s) to Mr. Reeves regarding condition/value etc, of his Parker Brothers Shotgun. I just advised him to obtain a copy a "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms".

    I would also advise him to be wary of self-anointed experts with "Forty Years" of experience "Buying,Shooting & Selling Parkers", it's been my personal experience, that many times these folks have their own interests at heart.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • ChrisReeves
    thank you for all your help here i will check into that book and will see if i can get some better pictures up later
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  • He Dog
    As an aside to value/History, if you intend shooting this shotgun, have it thoroughly checked by a smith familiar with damascus barrels. Most were originally made for black powder loads and not for todays smokeless loads. While damascus was thought to be stronger and solid steel at the time they were made, time has proven this to have been in error. Many are unsafe to shoot today. Best of luck!
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  • ChrisReeves
    no i do not entend to shoot this shotgun it has been in my fathers gun case since his father gave it to him i have never seen it been shot by anyone and my grandfather never shot it but once again i thank all of you for your help[|)]
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