Big G
I would not consider Parker Shotguns as "Cheap" The Parker was a well made gun that was, in many ways, superior to the British "Best guns".
Parkers, and Foxes, L C Smiths, LeFevers and Winchester 21s were designed for the American style of hunting, which required a sturdier gun to take the abuse of walking through brush and worse, or the harsh environment of a duck blind. The guns were made to take a lifetime of abuse and keep shooting.
British guns were generally made for the so called "sport" of sitting in a "Butt" and having birds driven to you. The guns were made lighter and fancier than their American counterparts. Often the owner had a matched pair and used a loader to assist him.
Double Gun Journal had an article last year about two gents who tried to blow up an old rusted set of Parker Damascus barrels. They eventually succeeded after many tries of successively more potent loads.
The bad rap damascus received was generally due to cheap imported guns of poor quality.
I DO NOT recommend using a damascus barrelled gun with modern loads, they were designed for black powder. Many people do shoot them with light modern loads quite successfully. Old classics should be treated gently and checked for serviceability.
I hope Atticus restores the gun
Geoff Ross