1915/16 VH Question

[Bob Price]

Hi, I just signed up and have a question that I really hope you guys can answer. I have a VH with 26" barrels; full and modified. All the numbers are 1719XX EXCEPT the barrels which are exactly 1000 numbers off. The number on them is 1729XX. Does anyone know how this may have happened. I really appreciate any help you guys can give. Thanks.

Bob Price

[Dean Romig]

Bob, the only way to attempt to discover how or why that happened is to send for a PGCA Research Letter. But even the stock book and order book on that serial number may not answer that anomaly in serial numbers.

[Dave Suponski]

Bob,If you can furnish us with the full serial number we can look the gun up in the Serialization Book for ya.

[Bob Price]

Thanks Dave. The number on all parts other than the barrels is 171973. As I mentioned, the barrels are numbered 172973. Thank you very much.

Bob Price

[Bob Price]

Thanks Dean for your response. Also, as I know next to nothing about Parkers, other than I want 10 more, are 26" barrels with a full choke unusual?. Thanks again

Bob Price

[Carl Brandt]

According to the Parker Gun ID & SN book:

171973 is a V-grade, 12 ga, capped pistol grip with 28" barrels.
172973 is the same except with 26" barrels.

My guess is they had their barrels switched somehow. Most likely after leaving PB.

[Bob Price]

Thank you Carl. I appreciate the information even if I don't know how that could have happened. All of you guys really know your stuff. Thanks again.

Bob Price

[Dave Suponski]

Carl,Thanks for looking that up. All I know is"Never say Never"....

[Bob Price]

It seems I was incorrect with these numbers. I pulled the VH out of the safe because I haden't looked at it in over a year. It turns out that the only part numbered 171973 is the frame (1-1/2). All other numbers including the trigger guard are numbered 172973. This switching now seems deliberate. Again, thanks to all your guys for your interest. I have just become a member thanks to all of you.

Bob Price

[E Robert Fabian]

Sounds like maybe a mistake with the punch

[Dean Romig]

... or both guns were in stages of semi-completion and in the shop at the same time and someone grabbed the frame with the correct last three digits and final fitted everything together . . . maybe...