1929 restored VH 16 gauge

[John B White]

Finally cleared the WA background check. There is a long backlog after holidays and now tax returns, but I’ve purchased 6 Parker’s since December and none went over the 10 day wait. I attribute this to political rhetoric I’ve expressed elsewhere, but I digress.

1929 restoration attributed by the seller as a DelGrego.(?) Of the three restorations that I have acquired over the last 2 months, the case coloring on this appeals to me most. I’ve no idea how accurate it may be as my only Parker for the previous 30 years was a Trojan with very little present when I acquired it, and even less now.

26” barrels chocked cylinder and modified with 2 9/16” chambers.

All in all, satisfied with the purchase, though recently acquired a 28” Sterlingworth (gasp!) with tighter chokes. I’ve 4 26” guns and require no more.

I welcome your comment, especially in regards to the validity of the Del Grego claim. Regardless, I intend to take this to the Methow Valley for the grouse open next season. As with all of the restoration’s (and the “Shooters “), it was purchased with the intent to use in the field.

Also, consistent with my 12 gauge VHE manufactured in the same year, no records exist for a research letter. So, of course I’m curious as to why.

Carry on and Thrive!

[Chris Robenalt]

Im not sure about the Del Grego finish John, metal or wood. I was curious about the 3rd picture. Looking at the right panel where wood meets metal. Looks like filler, or is it wax? It does cover some of the border engraving. Looks like a very nice job and restoration! Im sure you'll enjoy it this for many hunts. I do have a Del Grego restoration myself. There are some differences I noticed. Thx for sharing, let's see that Fox!
CHRIS, AZ

[John B White]

Chris, thank you for your thoughtful comments. I believe that to be filler. It cleaned up nicely with a fingernail. Seller claimed it came from an estate with several other Parkers restored by DelGrego, but could provide no provenance. He did state that I could return it if unhappy. I'm not, but this and other restorations I've purchased recently (none claiming any provenance) have led me to question how one can determine the claim made here.

Had my eye on the bidding for this for awhile and as the close drew near, I engaged in a bidding war and, well now,....here it is. Certainly not the worst mistake I've ever made (wave to my ex), I do like to learn from my errors.

The Sterlingworth is sitting with the seller as I wait approval of my FFL03 that was submitted on Valentines day. Happy to share pics when it arrives.

[Researcher]

Don't have any Delgrego work. This Ithaca NID .410-bore was totally redone by Doug Turnbull.

459135 07 Ithaca NID Field Grade 410-Bore Left.jpg

This 1930 20-gauge VH-Grade was virtually new but had spent its life in a case and the metal was pitted in places, the very worst right on the bottom of the trigger guard. I had the metal restored by the late Brad Bachelder.

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235178 10.JPG

[B. Dudley]

The quality of the wood work is about on par with what I was seeing come out of delgregos shop in the last 10 years. The stock does have their typical deep and sharp angled comb flute.
The case colors are turnbulls. Delgrego was sending their cch work to turnbulls shop for the last decade of their operation.

[John B White]

Thank you Brian.

I still want to proceed with the project I mentioned. When I'm deep into my bourbon, I'll send you pics of the other dogs.

thrive

[GH-16]

Congrat's on the new 16! This one should serve you well for many years to come, it's a nice gun that's been saved by its former owner & more importantly has found its new loving caretaker.

Have a bunch of fun with it!

[terc]

I can't be sure, but it it looks very much like a gun I owned in the late 80's or early 90's.
I bought a 16g from the Hartman brothers (Elmira Arms) at a Harrisburg gun show.
It was in poor condition. They recommended a gunsmith in southern NY for a restoral.
I believe it was the Hammond company.
Your gun could be it.

[Dean Romig]

John. That does look like some of Del Grego’s later resto work, especially the “mullered”(?) border on the checkering which, IMO, wasn’t close to Parker Bros’ original mullering.
Lift the trigger guard and remove the butt plate to see if their logo is stamped there.

I once had CHE Double Trap 230760 for which there are no records to support a research letter. The reason is this range of srerial numbers falls within one of the 30 or so missing books.





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