20 GA "DH"

Edward Hamm · 07-13-2012, 01:13 PM

I did not expect to be back so soon. Some of you may recall my questions about a week ago re: 16 GA PH gun. I knew I was getting two guns from my uncle's estate, but I thought the second one was going to be a rifle...but when I got the 2nd box yesterday and opened it...WOW, another Parker Bros Shotgun. This one is a "DH" grade, 20 GA, with 28 " barrels and ejectors. SN: 157831. But after looking at the pages here, I have more questions than answers. Several marks seem to indicate possible after market work...or I'm just uneducated. Please see specifically the pics showing the barrel flats, barrels, and water table. Also, it is a single trigger, so your thoughts on this. And the marks on the rib (vented rib).
Thanks.

Edward Hamm · 07-13-2012, 01:17 PM

I just realized I may have reduced the quality too much on some of the pics in order to get them all through my crummy Internet Provider...please let me know if you need higher quality pics of any of these.

Jeff K. · 07-13-2012, 02:04 PM

The gun appears to have been sleeved and restocked. Looks like a good shooter. It also has an aftermarket trigger.

Bill Murphy · 07-13-2012, 02:15 PM

Simmons rib is a bit of a detraction.

B. Dudley · 07-13-2012, 02:32 PM

Original or not, that is a nice surprise over a rifle.

Yes, the gun has been sleeved (or Monoblocked). This is evident by the line around the front of the breech. And also by the additional proof markings on the barrels and water table.
The gun has been restocked by the look of it too. The action panels should have drop points on a DH and also the checkering pattern on Forend and wrist are not correct for the grade. Also, the grip form is a bit off for a Parker original. Very nice stock though.
The incorrect forend loop also points to it not originally having a BTFE on it. Does it have a draw bolt in the front of the forend?
I am not sure what type of single trigger that is, but it is not a type that was on an original Parker.
Also, the bluing of the top lever, action screws and forend iron is not correct. All should be Color Cased.

What a nice shooter!

Researcher · 07-13-2012, 02:45 PM

The proof marks look Italian, so the original Damascus barrels (D on the right barrel flat) were sleeved with steel tubes, and the gun also likely got its single trigger there as well, as it is not a trigger I recognize.

Edward Hamm · 07-13-2012, 04:34 PM

RE:
"The incorrect forend loop also points to it not originally having a BTFE on it. Does it have a draw bolt in the front of the forend?"...
What is a draw bolt?

And on a more practical note...since my guns arre insured with a "rider", is this worth covering? Any guess as to a replacement value?

B. Dudley · 07-13-2012, 08:26 PM

If you look at the front of the forend. It would have a slotted scre head in the nose of it that is about 1/2" diameter. This is a long bolt that attaches to the tip of the forend iron.

Edward Hamm · 07-13-2012, 09:57 PM

Don't see anything that looks like that. If I'm understanding you...the forward (muzzle end) end of the fore stock is just wood.

tom tutwiler · 07-13-2012, 10:26 PM

Yep, Italian Proof marks. Looks like it was sent to Italy for sleeving and then reproofed. If you look up Italian proof marks it will show what load it was proofed for.