S/N 220878 VH
 

I traded for a VH yesterday S/N 220878. Unfortunately I can not get a letter on the gun. It is a 2 barrel set with forends. 26" and 30" barrels. Barrels are marked 1 and 2 Barrel 1 marked with code 15. Intreastingly enough the chambers are 2 1/2 inch and all barrels are .042. Both sets of barrels marked Parker Proofed. I will post some pictures this week, but the gun is in 90%+ condition. Sure wish I could get a letter. Only down side is the stock is 13 3/4" and 3 1/2 " of drop. Also the buttplate does not have a NIB. Did all of the Parker plates on this area gun have a NIB ?

I believe by "NIB" you are referring to the spur on the top of the dogs head butt plate. The spurred plate began to be phased out in the early 1920's in favor of the easier to fit flat plate, per TPS.

Bruce, yes I the Spur is what I am refering to. It appears that there are no records for my serial number range and and with that, no letter can be obtained. The good news I gues is that the plate without the spur is correct for this period.
I welcome any comments on both sets of barrels being choked Full and Full. Also the gun is a 1 1/2 frame how many 1 1/2 were there compared to the 2 frame? Also the gun is marked Parker Over proofed with 2 1/2" inch chambers I thought later models had 2 3/4" chambers.

Phil

I would double check the chambers they may be 2 5/8 which would be normal for Parker and the use of 2 3/4 shells.
Bob

Hi Phil,

The 1 1/2 Frame eventually replaced the 1 Frame as the lighter of the 12 gauge Parkers while the 2 Frame was kept as the heavier (though a few 3 Frames are known). Eventually the 1 1/2 Frame became the 'common' frame size even in competition 12 gauge trap and skeet guns. In the very late 1920's the 1/2 frame was developed and produced in the 1930's but it is believed less than 500 were produced on the 1/2 Frame.

Chamber Length
 

Check your chamber with a bore gauge or a set of inside calipers. A blade gauge will read a tight chamber as a short chamber. If your chambers are indeed 2 1/2 inches, measure some present day 2 5/8 shells. Most of those I have measured are 2 1/2 inches long after firing.

Best, Austin

Pictures of the VH


http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...H/DSCN0006.jpg
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...H/DSCN0004.jpg
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...H/DSCN0002.jpg
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...H/DSC_0017.jpg
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...H/DSC_0016.jpg
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...H/DSC_0015.jpg
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...H/DSC_0004.jpg
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...H/DSC_0003.jpg

Really a nice Parker..looks like it is in great condition and a two barrel set is a plus.
Bill

If the barrels are original length, you have a great gun and don't need a "letter" to prove originality.

The barrels are uncut and .042 of choke in all barrels. Only real question is why have 26 and 30" barrels. Choked full and full. Seems like an unlikly combination. Have others seen this on a 2 barrel set?