1901 DH --opinions wanted
 

Here is a friend’s heirloom gun, which was apparently used by his grand-father, William O. Taylor, a member of the family which published the BOSTON GLOBE for over 100 years.

It is in the serialization book and there are factory records available.
He wishes to know opinions on value; may want to sell it; understands that he cannot offer it on this forum for sale and also asks about restoration advisability.

The pictures are not very clear, but there are quite a few of them.

It accords with the Serialization Book. Serial number is 100 835 (thus, 1901); 12-gauge; DH; reportedly a #2-frame; Titanic steel 30-inch barrels; top-lever; no extras; capped pistol grip. It exhibits a pinned stock head and deteriorated butt pad (originality unknown). Case color reportedly negligible. Barrels not examined or rung.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Based on the photos you have shown, the gun appears to be in decent overall condition, with the exception of the pinned head. The big positive is the Titanic steel barrels vs. damascus.

In the grand scheme of things, a 30" 12g. 2 frame DH is pretty common and usually not "worth" restoring from a fiscal standpoint. And, really the condition is not so bad to justify any sort of full restoration.
However, some basic things like replacing the recoil pad, cleaning and making sure the head of the stock is sound, and maybe even eliminating the pin may be worth while to do.

The pad looks like it is likely original to the gun and was ordered with it.

My guess $1900. fine shooter condition, the pinned head bring it down in value.

I just sold a D grade two frame 30" Damascus barrel with good pattern and bores perfect, some case color original stock finish with SSBP and I advertised it here on the board and finally got $1700 for it. I would do as Brain says clean and lube and new pad as you will never get your money out of a restoration of the gun.

I like the engraving.....seems slightly more “english” than most...

Does the gun have a safety? Did you request a PGCA letter, which could add to its value?

Bill: The gun has a safety (old-style). I will attach a photo.

I am suggesting that the owner at least get a Research Letter to enhance his appreciation of the gun and consider joining the PGCA for the manifold benefits and advantages that accrue to taking that step.

He had gone to more modern and steel shot-suitable guns for hunting over the years, but learned on the Parker, and shot it with considerable success at the range. One of those “ranges” included The [Brookline] Country Club, the oldest such club in the U. S. (Tom Brady and family were recently admitted, apparently after much deliberation, he being so “high-profile” for such a privacy-minded club.)

Given the responses from Members on this thread, I hope he decides on restoration to maintain the gun's functionality as outlined above, and keeping it.

From the little glimpse that we get of the buttstock, I think some really nice figure is going to be revealed with a proper restoration.
I say, if mony's not an issue, go for it.

I think Mr. Dudley could turn it into a bit of a stunner in pretty short order. Very nice wood, nice engraving. Get rid of the pin, put a new pad on and restore the wood. She'd be a real beauty. I have one very similar to that one except with Damascus bbls and an elk on the bottom. It's very light for a 2-frame and swings like a dream and is an ideal late-season wild-flushing pheasant gun.

PM sent re: Provenance.