16 Gauge "PH" question

Edward Hamm · 07-08-2012, 08:33 PM

I just got from an estate a 16 GA "PH", with 28" Barrels, SN# 203XXX. Rib is marked "Vulcan Steel". It is a beautiful gun with what I'd estimate about 98% bluing (might be missing from some sharp edges, like on the rib), but how can I tell if the bluing is original or something re-done later?? Thanks.

Dean Romig · 07-08-2012, 10:51 PM

The barrels were likely replaced at some point. Original barrels for a PH were Twist Steel and Parker Steel. The Vulcan Steel barrels were original to the VH guns and were used by Parker Bros as the cheapest option for barrel replacement on just about any grade above the Trojan.

Edward Hamm · 07-09-2012, 01:47 AM

If the barrels were replaced, would they still have the matching serial number? Which they do. Also, the Blue Book I have indicates "most had twist barrels, prices here are for fluid steel barrels only." Does this "fluid barrels" refer to Parker Steel, not Vulcan Steel?

Bill Murphy · 07-09-2012, 03:59 AM

Serial number? It may help to identify the original barrel steel.

Dean Romig · 07-09-2012, 05:31 AM

If Parker Bros. had replaced the barrels they would certainly have numbered the replacement barrels to the gun.
I should think the Blue Book value for fluid steel barrels would indeed include Vulcan Steel barrels.
Yes, the majority of PH guns had Twist Steel barrels.

B. Dudley · 07-09-2012, 08:23 AM

At the time of the Remington takeover and transition, there was a lot of Meriden stock that was used up before the Parkers started being fitted with Remington Chrome-Moly barrels (unmarked). So there were some Grades that no doubt were fitted with barrels that normally wouldn't be put on them. However, this subject PH was made earlier than that time being a 203,000 S/N range.

This would have been close to the end of PH production though. Original barrel steel should have been "Parker Special" if it was fluid steel. Just like the G grades.

Dean Romig · 07-09-2012, 10:27 AM

The barrel steel used on the 'subject Parker' will be shown in the Serialization book if it shows that serial number at all.

Edward Hamm · 07-09-2012, 10:54 AM

It looks like PGCA has some records on this gun...would these issues be cleared up by my ordering the research letter? Also, would pictures help? If so, specifically of what?

Dean Romig · 07-09-2012, 11:20 AM

At this point pictures wouldn't help in determining when and by whom the barrels might have been replaced but a letter might.

How is it listed in the Serialization book??

Edward Hamm · 07-09-2012, 11:37 AM

This is only my second day here...how do I find out about the "Serialization Book"? In fact, what is it? Lot to learn here, but it is very interesting!