I have an old car to sell. How much is it worth?! Lots of details go into the pricing of Parkers (or any firearm). First, gauge. Second is grade. Then need to know such things as barrel lengths, chokes, grip design, single vs double triggers, degree of finish and whether its original or redone, etc, etc. Then I would say what I TEND to know is what it might be worth to me, not its general market value. They can be a real rabbit hole. Tim
Shotguns are a tough buy and tough sale. Ive dabbled in the LC Smiths, Parkers, Baker’s, Sempert & Krieghoff – Suhl, and Wesley Richards enough to know I didnt know enough long ago.
Parkers are a great shotgun, have one left, its a DH grade made in 1925 (12 ga) that is a pleasure to hunt with.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
November 7, 2015
I’ve wanted a Parker for awhile but all the grades and models made me realize I would need to undertake a bit of research to make an informed buying decision. Maybe someday.
Mike
TXGunNut said
I’ve wanted a Parker for awhile but all the grades and models made me realize I would need to undertake a bit of research to make an informed buying decision. Maybe someday.
Really not THAT complicated unless you’re in the market for engraved guns. Cheapest model is the non-ejector Trojan grade. Cheapest “true” Parker is VH (hammerless)-grade, without ejectors, or with ejectors, it becomes VHE. Have to pay more for ejectors & single trigger, but you can get along fine without either, except maybe for fast & furious dove hunting. 12 g has become a drug on the market among the vanishing breed of side-by-side shooters, though it’s the most versatile gauge.
I have a couple in 12 ga. A nice VHE w/ 30” barrels. It still has nice original case coloring on the receiver and the barrel blue 99%. Wood is also excellent w/ original buttplate. My DHE unfortunately has replacement (Italian made) barrels. Otherwise it’s in wonderful condition. The skeleton buttplate is a work of beauty. The engraving & case colors are crisp… I’ve owned a few others over the years, but Clarence is correct, it’s a declining market as younger collectors can’t afford, much appreciate better SxS shotguns. If you have the “bug” to get a Parker (or any better grade SxS) now is the time to learn so you can negotiate properly. I purchased the pair above for $2,500. & tax from a local shop. They had been sitting on the rack for the last year on consignment. The shop owner said I had been the only person that had ever shown any interest. I had been fondling them every time I would go in. The VHE is worth $3,800+ and the DHE $3,200. (If the barrels were original – $6,500+). Upper grades & smaller gauges are a world unto themselves and prices reflect that.
I have seen a lot of these go through the gun shop over the years. All I know is if it says Parker Bros it is older than the ones that just say Parker.
https://projectupland.com/shotguns-and-shooting/shotguns/parker-shotguns-a-vintage-shotgun-history/
Ben Tolson said My DHE unfortunately has replacement (Italian made) barrels.
Probably had Damascus originally. Herschel Chaddick set up a “factory” in Texas converting Damascus guns to steel & remarking them. Always wondered what became of all the Damascus brls? Which were extra cost options over plain steel.
That serial equates to the end of 1918. Ask about anyone and they will tell you I DON’T DO WELL seeing details from pictures. I don’t download and manipulate the pictures, and seem to miss rather obvious details. But I will say that to me what is pictured is at best a wall hanger for atmosphere. Placed alongside a few old, wooden duck decoys and a box of old shells, it may be very atmospheric. But I would not shoot it under any circumstance from what I see. So if you are contemplating using it, and that is what ever value you may be thinking on, please don’t!! It looks to be twist steel barrels that have rusted at the welds both outside and inside. The stock is split and has a through bolt holding it together, which may still let it splinter under recoil. The bores appear to be the more popular but less valued 12 ga, but look in the one picture to be pitted. Reference my above statement. As an atmospheric piece I have absolutely NO IDEA of price, so let your desires and pocket book be your guide. I would not buy it at $200 but that is just me. I’ve marveled at dug up pieces of metal that resemble some identifiable rifle/carbine/pistol sell for rather high prices! I am lost in that environment. Tim
But I will say that to me what is pictured is at best a wall hanger for atmosphere. Placed alongside a few old, wooden duck decoys and a box of old shells, it may be very atmospheric.tim tomlinson said
Even for that purpose, it would be necessary to cut off that hideous pad. And to think the beautiful Parker BP was cut off to install it! Sad fate for a once fine gun.
November 7, 2015
I think I’d pass on that one, Lonnie. I’m known at my club for showing up with something unusual to shoot a round of skeet and a Parker suited to the task sounds like fun. I sincerely believe that if you’re interested in a gun and keep your eyes open a good one will come along. OTOH I’ve been casually looking for a 20ga Model 12 Skeet Gun for years but haven’t seen one since I bought the Citori XS in 20ga next to one that I mistakenly thought had issues. Shotguns are tough but rewarding. Most good ones have been heavily used, modified and often abused. Happy hunting!
Mike
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