Originality, condition, grade, features (ST, BTFE, SG & special order/unique) and gauge are the accepted key factors that establish price.  Worthy also of consideration is the quality of any work done on repaired or refinished guns. All are important factors in placing value on a Parker but the three primary determining factors are gauge (the smaller gauges commanding higher values), condition and grade.  

There are so many variables in evaluating Parker Guns that it staggers the mind. The basic "Polar North" of course is "Condition, Condition, Condition. Nowadays the smaller bores rule in terms of dollar value and desirability. Any small bore graded gun (e.g., G or above) brings a steadily escalating premium over any lesser-graded gun, regardless of gauge. That is, a 16 BHE grade brings more money than a 12 ga (same grade) ; a 20 springs ahead of a 16, a 28 takes a quantum leap over all three, and a .410 BHE makes you switch oxygen tanks (3 are known; 1 is genuine; 1 is "compromised", and one is a bona fide bogus gun). And any CHE is a very desirable gun, provided condition is OK!

The real proof of the pudding in evaluating any gun is to have the gun in hand and some "quiet time" for examining the gun and recording as much info as possible from it. Depending on the gun, this can take anywhere from 10 minutes on a "mint" Trojan Grade 12 ga. (no mysteries) to anywhere from 2 to 3 hours on an exceptional gun.

As guns ascend in desirability of grade and gauges, a myriad of questions pour out: how are the (case) colors? How is the condition of the wood? Is the stock original? Is the checkering pattern and inletting of the stock correct? Is the grade of the wood in the stock commensurate with the grade of the gun? Is the finish of the stock original? Are the dimensions desirable for actual use?

How are the bores? What length are the chambers and do they correspond to the correct period length for that gauge (e.g., before c. 1927-29 you are liable to encounter a great variance in chamber length over gauge; after that, production consistencies in ammunition production more or less determined "standard" chamber lengths in most American SxSs.) Have the barrels been cut? Have the chokes been opened up? Have the chambers been lengthened? ( In this day and age, actually a plus.)

There is so much to know and so few people available (relatively speaking) that can answer a majority of these questions, its recommend that your first move being to get a letter on your gun from the PGCA. If records exist, the letter will provide you with at least a modicum of information. At least that will provide you with a basis of data on which to research your gun further (e.g., compare barrel length, choke, weight and stock configuration as recorded when it left the factory with the current condition of the gun).

Next, take (or have someone take) some clear, close-up digital pictures of your gun and post them on this site so we can look at them. Pay close attention to receiver engraving; stock condition, wood to metal fit, butt treatment; muzzle close ups, and watertable, barrel, and frame markings. This can help tell a great deal about the gun. No one knows it all, but there are a lot of us on this BBS that have looked at a LOT of Parker Guns!

Experience with auction houses can be mostly rewarding so far as the evaluation and sale of fine double guns has been concerned. The more discriminating firms most often have their operatives defer to the individuals possessing the most intimate knowledge of the desirability, rarity, historical significance, and technical importance of collectible firearms (not just Parkers!). These individuals, of course, are the seminal collectors of these guns. Most are not conducive to being approached for individual gun appraisals for obvious reasons (e.g. security; purchase; resale, etc.).

I would encourage you to use this site as a first step in determining the "value" of your gun. There are many of us here that can help you. The "dollars and sense" will come later very naturally.

Ultimately, it is worth what the owner and a willing buyer agree upon; which can be an arbitrary figure and certainly subjective at the very least. Simple supply and demand at any given time is a consideration.

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