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Parker Brothers Shotgun 2 BL

lightfoc
Here are the number/letters on the gun barrels of the subject shotgun. There is a "T" (grade?), a big "5", little "4" (like 5 to the 4th power), a very small "J" above and to the right of the "T", and what appears to be the number "613" (the 6 and 3 are clear but the 1 is hard to distingush). The butt plate is made of steel and is inlaid into the stock on top - it comes to a point; like an arrowhead. Can someone break the code on these letters/numbers??
Thank you,
Lighty
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • lightfoc
    I bought the gun at auction for $1500. It is a 10 gauge, Damascus barrels (Twist), serial number 41567. The gun graded out (according to the auctioner as "very good to excellent". My questions are: Is it worth $1500? Can it be shot? How old is it? Parker Brothers have suspened their research letter program.
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  • hardley davidson
    I wouldnt shoot it with those barells.... i have two parkers..beautiful guns...worth alot if steel...i dont know damascus worth...im sure someone on here knows...good luck
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  • trstone
    I've heard that Damascus barrels are MAYBE safe with blackpowder loads, yes?

    No?
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  • bobski
    go to: www.gunshop.com and log on the double gun bbs at the bottom. youll get a flood of info. good luck.

    former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction.
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  • Bert H.
    lightfoc...

    Which grade Parker is it (it will make a BIG difference on the value)?

    I suspect that if it says "Twist" on the rib between the barrels, that it is one of the lower grade guns, and unless it is in exceptionally fine condition, you paid too much.

    As for shooting it, you MUST stick to blackpowder (or smokeless equivalent pressure) loads, and only if the bores are in excellent or better condition. The good thing, is that Parker Bros. did not make any "cheaply" made guns, so if the gun has been reasonably well cared for, it will still be a nice shooter with the appropriate loads. I would highly recommend that you have a competent shotgun 'smith check it out for you before you decide to shoot it.

    Your Parker was made in 1890, and as such, it is chambered for 2 7/8" shells (considerably shorter than modern 10 Ga. shells). There are several sources available for appropriate ammo (due to the popularity of the Cowboy Action Shooters groups).

    Lastly, last time I checked, the Parkergun.org website was still going strong.




    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • lightfoc
    quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
    lightfoc...

    Which grade Parker is it (it will make a BIG difference on the value)?

    I suspect that if it says "Twist" on the rib between the barrels, that it is one of the lower grade guns, and unless it is in exceptionally fine condition, you paid too much.

    As for shooting it, you MUST stick to blackpowder (or smokeless equivalent pressure) loads, and only if the bores are in excellent or better condition. The good thing, is that Parker Bros. did not make any "cheaply" made guns, so if the gun has been reasonably well cared for, it will still be a nice shooter with the appropriate loads. I would highly recommend that you have a competent shotgun 'smith check it out for you before you decide to shoot it.

    Your Parker was made in 1890, and as such, it is chambered for 2 7/8" shells (considerably shorter than modern 10 Ga. shells). There are several sources available for appropriate ammo (due to the popularity of the Cowboy Action Shooters groups).

    Lastly, last time I checked, the Parkergun.org website was still going strong.




    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
    0
  • lightfoc
    quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
    lightfoc...

    Which grade Parker is it (it will make a BIG difference on the value)?

    I suspect that if it says "Twist" on the rib between the barrels, that it is one of the lower grade guns, and unless it is in exceptionally fine condition, you paid too much.

    As for shooting it, you MUST stick to blackpowder (or smokeless equivalent pressure) loads, and only if the bores are in excellent or better condition. The good thing, is that Parker Bros. did not make any "cheaply" made guns, so if the gun has been reasonably well cared for, it will still be a nice shooter with the appropriate loads. I would highly recommend that you have a competent shotgun 'smith check it out for you before you decide to shoot it.

    Your Parker was made in 1890, and as such, it is chambered for 2 7/8" shells (considerably shorter than modern 10 Ga. shells). There are several sources available for appropriate ammo (due to the popularity of the Cowboy Action Shooters groups).

    Lastly, last time I checked, the Parkergun.org website was still going strong.




    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!


    Bert,
    Thank you for your reply. You are correct about the word "Twist" being written between the barrels. I guess I spent to much money on the gun. I will definitely get a qualified gunsmith to look it over before I fire it.
    Lighty
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  • 101AIRBORNE
    lightfoc,
    The grade of the gun is a letter that is stamped on the water table.
    Serial No. indicates about an 1885 DOM. Frame size is stamped on the
    barrel lug and is a number. As others have responded, the Parker Gun
    Collectors are still selling letters. I can not recommend firing this
    arm regardless of what blessing a smith may give with the original barrels. If a high grade gun in excellent original condition, undeline
    original, you may be okay on the price. Some of my Parkers have Damascus barrels and lock up just fine. I still would not fire one unless it was outfitted with Briley's. You bought it, now enjoy the
    history. 101
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  • lightfoc
    quote:Originally posted by 101AIRBORNE
    lightfoc,
    The grade of the gun is a letter that is stamped on the water table.
    Serial No. indicates about an 1885 DOM. Frame size is stamped on the
    barrel lug and is a number. As others have responded, the Parker Gun
    Collectors are still selling letters. I can not recommend firing this
    arm regardless of what blessing a smith may give with the original barrels. If a high grade gun in excellent original condition, undeline
    original, you may be okay on the price. Some of my Parkers have Damascus barrels and lock up just fine. I still would not fire one unless it was outfitted with Briley's. You bought it, now enjoy the
    history. 101

    HUA! Thank you, I will enjoy the history and will not shoot it.
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  • lightfoc
    quote:Originally posted by lightfoc
    quote:Originally posted by 101AIRBORNE
    lightfoc,
    The grade of the gun is a letter that is stamped on the water table.
    Serial No. indicates about an 1885 DOM. Frame size is stamped on the
    barrel lug and is a number. As others have responded, the Parker Gun
    Collectors are still selling letters. I can not recommend firing this
    arm regardless of what blessing a smith may give with the original barrels. If a high grade gun in excellent original condition, undeline
    original, you may be okay on the price. Some of my Parkers have Damascus barrels and lock up just fine. I still would not fire one unless it was outfitted with Briley's. You bought it, now enjoy the
    history. 101

    HUA! Thank you, I will enjoy the history and will not shoot it.

    Oh yeah, I forgot to add I recieved a letter, dated 12 Nov 03, from the Parker Brothers Gun Collection Association stating " As the PGCA moves forward with reorganization, reassignment of tasks and relocation of asssets, the Parker Gun Research Letter program must be temporarily suspended until our search program has been rebuilt"
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