Old New Owner
 

This organization moves FAST!

I joined the PGCA last week and requested a letter on my one and only (and first) Parker. I had purchased a gun knowing virtually nothing about Parkers except that the one I had picked up had seemed to be unbelievably lively in my hands. It is a PH grade 16 gauge on an "0" frame. Barrels are 26 inches, uncut, with Cylinder and about Modified chokes as nearly as I can measure them. The seller and I reached an agreement and I owned a Parker!

My letter arrived today. My gun was made in 1917 with 28 inch twist barrels, Full and Modified. OK, so obviously my gun has been rebarreled. This explains "Vulcan Steel" on the rib. Since I plan to bird hunt with this shotgun, I am not particularly upset to find that the barrels have been replaced. How much does this affect the value of the gun? Stock is uncracked and uncut with original Parker hard rubber plate and cap. Overall condition is remarkable with just a bare trace of case colors around the lever. The barrels "ring" when struck, but the top rib is beginning to separate, so I sent the gun off to have the ribs relayed, etc. I'll have about $2000 total in a gun that I think I will enjoy shooting.

This could be a fun hobby!

Bill Jacobs

Bill,

I too have a Parker that now sports Vulcan barrels rather than the Damascus it came with. I don't think it detracts at all. A friends great grandfather ordered a AAH in 1897 that came with Whitworth Steel barrels. He was a live bird shot and over the years he had, as I recall, an additional four sets of barrels made for the gun and they were all Vulcan steel.

Kindest,
Harry

Welcome aboard Bill. When it comes to the research letters Chuck does not miss a beat, he gets em out right now. Concerning the fun hobby you might want to add expensive to that characterization :)