Factory Original Parker?

[William Jones]

Hello, I'm new to Parkers and to this forum. Looking to buy my first Parker and need help determining if a Parker VHE 12Ga with a beavertail forend is a factory original. The length is 30" choked in CYL / CYL. When inspecting the loop attachment for the forend, it is the non-reinforced type. I read on the PGCA FAQs that a beavertail forend without the reinforced loop was a telltale sign of aftermarket work. (see attached photo from the FAQ). Is this true in all cases? Can a factory beavertail forend have the non-reinforced loop? All serial numbers match (135980 which I think makes this a 1906 year of MFG).

Thanks for the help!

[Brian Dudley]

Does your BTFE have the draw bolt?

If not, in combination with the standard loop, the gun would have likely left the factory with a standard splinter forend.

If it does, look for remington repair codes. It is a possibility that a BTFE was added by Remington and the lug not changed out. I have observed guns where this looked to be the case.

A research letter would also help too.

[Eric Eis]

Rarely will you find a Parker without the reinforced lug and your gun made in 1906 very highly doubt because the beavertail came out later if I remember correctly. Also Cyl/Cyl bores on 30" barrels, I have a feeling those have been opened up too.

[edgarspencer]

The Serialization book indicates it left as a plain VH, no options. It is extremely unlikely Parker would have shipped a 30" set of barrels with no choke.

[Bill Murphy]

The stock book entry would show the choke constriction. If the gun is in an order book, it would show also as a special order choking.

[William Jones]

Greatly appreciate the help!
B.Dudley, I am not sure what the draw bolt looks like for the BTFE... would you have a picture what to look for?
Although the gun looks very nice, it would seem it has had a major overhaul at some point. What "% rating" or markdown in value would this gun have with an after factory BTFE and stock, opened chokes, and reblueing of the case and barrels?
Again, thanks for the great feedback!

[Dean Romig]

William, this is a picture of the "draw bolt" or reinforcing rod that runs through the forend of the BTFE and threads into the end of the forend iron.



.

[William Jones]

Thanks for the pic. It did not have the draw bolt. Think I will keep looking.

[Rich Anderson]

There are to many nice "original" unmolested Parkers out there for you to consider something like this for your first Parker. The learning curve can be steep but if you take your time, do the research and ask questions before you wright a check you can straighten that learning curve out some.