Is this Parker Special? 32" barrels

Rico Laidler · 07-09-2013, 04:14 PM

I have read many posts with interest trying to identify whether or not my Parker is special, and an approximate value. No pics yet..however here are some details that I have figured out from this excellent site.
Ser # 104484 (1901)
Parker VH
Vulcan steel
Frame Size 2
Grade 1
4.3 weight
32" barrels

Is this whats called a "Heavy Duck"
Most of the finish is off the barrels and receiver, so in the white..the stock is in great shape..no nicks or cracks, hard butt plate, nice figure

The lock up is worn,but still tight, not sloppy...
I hadnt seen anywhere in these forums, a ref to 32" barrels...is this an oddity?
Thank you for any assistance.

Researcher · 07-09-2013, 04:48 PM

Far and away the most common Parker Bros. double is a 12-gauge VH-/VHE-Grade with 30-inch barrels. The tables in The Parker Story show 31,227 made, while for the 12-gauge VH-/VHE-Grade with 32-inch barrels they show 4543 made. Certainly not rare or even scarce. Today, 32-inch barrel guns are quite popular with the clay target shooters, and do well in the marketplace. In the 1950s and 60s you couldn't give them away and shooters were whacking them to 26-inch after reading too much Jack O'Connor!!

The term "Heavy Duck" is normally associated with the Winchester Model 12, 12-gauge made with a heavy barrel for the 12-gauge 3-inch Magnum shell, gun and shell introduced in 1935.

The few "rightious" Parker Bros. doubles made for the 3-inch 12-gauge high velocity shells from the mid-1920s to the early 1940s are found to be on the 1 1/2 frame.

Rico Laidler · 07-09-2013, 06:07 PM

Thank you for the great info..I tried my best, but found nothing on the 32" I like the ref to Ol' Jack..lol..your ref applies to rifle shooting also...You are of course right about the heavy duck...being a Mod 12..I must have inhaled to much bore solvent when I posted that....although..I thought I read a book once about a Parker HD..oh well...we know for sure your ref is correct and on the money..I'll leave it at that and, thank you again..
Cheers
R

Bill Murphy · 07-09-2013, 06:50 PM

The 32" VH is very popular on the Parker market today. The VH is not a Grade 1, it is a Grade Zero. Many shooters are looking for a 32" VH in shootable condition. They sell for more money than an identical gun with 26, 28, or 30 inch barrels.

Rico Laidler · 07-09-2013, 06:59 PM

Thank you Bill...I appreciate your input. With ref to the grade...I just went with the stamps that were there and took a shot..it was a "V".
What do you feel would be a fair price..I know its hard.with no pics...but the Parker is in good shape, no dents in barrels..it is pretty much in the white..bores are bright with no fowling or rust..it opens like it is well broken in, but locks up solid. I do believe the forcing cones have been lenghtened..thank you again bud..