My first Parker

Casey Karstens · 04-09-2014, 09:01 AM

Recently one of my uncles passed away, and my Aunt asked for help selling his guns. I was very surprised to find this 12 Ga. VHE in his safe. Most of his guns were just utility pieces with little value. I really don't know where the Parker came from. He never mentioned it that I can recall. Anyway, I couldn't let it go and purchased it. Serial 235283 stamped VH 12 1 1/2 with 30" tubes. Very nice original condition except it looks like someone sanded on the bottom and sides of frame to remove surface rust. Seems to have been shot very little.

OH Osthaus · 04-09-2014, 10:12 AM

that is a nice family find - serial number 235283 does list as a 30" 12 ga VHE

Bill Murphy · 04-09-2014, 12:58 PM

A talented refinisher could eliminate those terrible sanding marks. Mediocre gunsmiths need not apply.

Dean Romig · 04-09-2014, 02:26 PM

Maybe somebody didn't like all that "funny looking" staining on the metal....

It looks like there was quite a lot of original color case.

Double Play · 04-09-2014, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Maybe somebody didn't like all that "funny looking" staining on the metal....

It looks like there was quite a lot of original color case.

I agree, it looks like a high condition gun that someone tried to remove the case colors with sand paper.

Casey Karstens · 04-09-2014, 03:02 PM

I had my friend and custom gun maker, Steve Nelson, look at it and he thought it could be easily restored. He suggested I just hunt it the way it is since he thought it would be worth about the same now as after restoration. We did agree that the white line pad has to go. I think I'll have him install a silvers and enjoy the heck out of it.

Jeff Bonadurer · 04-12-2014, 03:29 PM

Casey,

Nice Parker. Great frame size along with 30" barrels. Enjoy !

Best regards,

Jeff

charlie cleveland · 04-12-2014, 07:01 PM

a nice gun for sure enjoy it...charli

B. Dudley · 04-15-2014, 08:06 AM

Welcome to the forum. What a great looking gun. Yes, too bad about that sanding bat was done. The gun looked to have great metal condition. And there still is in the areas where the paper did not get to.
That gun could have the colors properly restored alone and it would look like a 95% gun given the great condition that the bluing and wood looks to be in.
Have fun shooting it in the meantime.

Casey Karstens · 04-15-2014, 10:12 PM

If I should choose to have the metal recolored, who would be qualified to do the work, and how much would it cost? I'll have to decide if it would be worth it in the long run.