Wall piece or valuable

Hi,

I am trying to see what type of value a parker double barrel would have. It's a black powder percussion cap and the proof markings seem to confirm its authenticity. Is this more of a wall piece in terms of value, or is it worth getting it valued?

Thanks ,

The value in these guns is mainly this- are they in good enough condition to shoot? I’d get a MUZZLE LOADING gunsmith to check it out and see.

It's an English made shotgun with Birmingham proofs. The US Parker Brothers did import damascus barrels but they were Belgian barrels, not English. The English Parker gun company predates the US Parker Brothers by about 100 years. By the proof marks I'm guessing it was made sometime after 1900 and before WW1, so relatively late in the companies production. I don't think the company survived WW1. While it is a well made shotgun I doubt you can retire on it's value, and as was said someone who knows BP shotguns needs to inspect it before you attempt shooting.

A lovely set of Birmingham Proof stamps there, Sir.

I wouldn't trust any Damascus twist barrels of that age to shoot. The corrosion happens over time between the twists and is hard to see but is there.

Nice looking double. Thanks for posting.

pistolshrimp said:

Hi,

I am trying to see what type of value a parker double barrel would have. It's a black powder percussion cap and the proof markings seem to confirm its authenticity. Is this more of a wall piece in terms of value, or is it worth getting it valued?

ThanksView attachment 333938View attachment 333939View attachment 333940View attachment 333941View attachment 333942,

Click to expand...

She’s a beauty but if we’re mine, it would go on my wall.

If it's not a valuable museum piece and if you want to shoot it, have the barrels sleeved down to 20 gauge.

I've a half-dozen original shotguns in what appear to be the same condition as yours & have enjoyed shooting several of them over 60 years. Each antique/original is a unique combination of parts. Some will last for several generations. Others started out 'questionable'. Value is always what someone is willing to pay, period. British proofmarks are, to me, more authoritative than most other countries and thus, I'll pay more for British shotguns.

Your photos indicate this shotgun was originally sold as a standard consumer grade gun & the nipples appear to have been replaced.
One photo shows a deep depression on top of the right barrel near the breach that could pose a safety issue.
The bores also need to be evaluated by a qualified muzzleloading gunsmith to determine their suitability for shooting along with
condition of the locks & stock.
Shootable shotguns of this grade & condition normally sell in the $500-$600 range & value would be half or less as a wall hanger.