From Turnbull Restorations: Metal restoration included light polishing, engraving was not re-cut (see photos); color case hardening of receiver, top lever and forend iron; charcoal bluing of trigger guard, safety, screws and pins.
Wood restoration included new buttstock from customer wood, new forend from customer wood, latch housing, ebony tip, and hand checkering per original.
So the answer is… restored, by the Turnbull Manufacturing Company.
This nice looking little double was auctioned off in Julia’s Fall, 2013 auction. Here’s its the listing from that sale:
PARKER .410 VH BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED BY DOUG TURNBULL. SN 226161. Cal. .410. 3″ Chambers. 000 Frame. 26″ Bbls. This lovely little gun with all correct markings and specifications as outlined in PARKER GUN IDENTIFICATION & SERIALIZATION ledger, including ball grip, and Parkers dogs head buttplate, has had all of its orig finishes and engraving completely and competently restored. Gun features automatic safety and double triggers, along with splinter forend. Bore diameter at muzzles: left-.396, right -.396. Wall thickness: left -.035, right -.038. Drop at heel: 2-3/4″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Weight: 5 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 14-3/8″. CONDITION: Excellent, essentially as new, as restored, with only a few subsequent light handling marks. Bores are excellent. Action is tight.
Original condition on a vintage shotguns is like good bird cover: I know it when I see it. The same is true with wood and metal finishes that have been restored. Spend enough time around old guns, and you start to develop an eye for what’s original and what isn’t.
So for everyone who thinks they’re good at spotting one or the other, here’s a test. Take a look at these pics and let me know what you think. Tell us why you think it, too. Tomorrow I’ll post the answer and who knows…maybe you’ll be right.
All pics copyright James D. Julia Auctioneers. Be sure to check out all the splendid firearms in their upcoming sale.
