DH 12 gauge 1 frame 26" Value

[Robbie Payne]

The comments regarding DH 12 gauge value in the "204927 Info" (http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=19208) made me curious to get your opinions regarding the value of a DH I do own.

You can see the gun I'm asking about in the album linked below but I'll also include a couple of pictures here in the thread.
http://parkerguns.org/forums/album.php?albumid=689

As the letter states, it's a 1908 DH hammerless, 12 gauge with factory 26" Damascus barrels. Capped pistol grip LOP is 13 3/4 and weighs in at just under 6 lb 8 oz on a 1 frame. Skeleton butt plate. It's obviously been refinished and I do not have barrel wall thickness measurements but let's assume they are good for this exercise.

I currently have no intention of selling this gun but would appreciate any input and opinions on it's value in the current market.

Thanks!

[greg conomos]

I don't see enough of the gun to make any definite comments, but:

1) Why do you say it's been refinished for sure?

2) In the open market, the 26" barrels, short-ish LOP and drop over 3" won't appeal to as many buyers

Probably $3000+ but would need more pics to be more certain.

[Brian Dudley]

It has been refinished because the wood finish, checkering and case colors have all been re-done. Barrels too by the look of it.

I would call value likely more in the $2k to $2.5k range.

[David Dwyer]

I agree with Brian on condition but think $2K tops.
David

[Erick Dorr]

If anyone follows the album link there is a rather complete and informative set of photos of this DH. Hes done a really good job of photography.
I'm not a restoration aficionado but I do think the case colors are nice much better than a lot of redone guns seen. The wood I like. Bbls should be redone to B&W they look muddy or hidden to me.
Short barrels and odd length barrels don't turn me off if original from the factory. LOP is shortish but would be OK for cold weather shooting. DAH is a problem.
Value? Does anyone remember a comparable gun offered here for less than $3K? At $2K I don't think it would as as long as a hot cup of coffee here on this site.
Erick

[Jeff Christie]

Nice Gun. I'd bet there are a lot of guys who would do better than 2k. I see it is just a few hundred numbers from the one in my avatar picture to the left (my great grandfathers).
Incidentally it's not too hard to learn to shoot high drop stocks. A case of shells (the best instructor ever) and a skeet range usually does the trick.

[greg conomos]

Yeah....let's not forget it is a D grade and refinished or not it is in nice enough shape. $2K? Gone in 10 minutes.

I think the colors look, as noted, way better than on a lot of other refinished guns. Yes, the barrels have lost some pattern but that's no big deal and cheap to fix if desired.

[Craig Budgeon]

I have bad news for you, those barrels have been cut from 28". It does not take a genius to create the smooth wedge at the muzzle on the top rib. A ballpeen hammer, a half round file, and an engraving tool and I can duplicate your gun for you, but will not. When the barrels don't touch at the muzzle check the book or pass on the gun. The book says 28" and therefore I would pass on your gun for $1500.

[Craig Budgeon]

Sorry I miss read the serial number off the fore end as 148932 instead of 146932 and the barrels do not appear to touch in the picture you provided. Again, I'm sorry for my error and I would agree the price range at $2500-$3000 retail. Craig

[Virginia Hessler]

Just an obsevation : if the letter belongs with that gun it sure looks like it reads 26.

[Kirk Potter]

I've personally always liked 26" barrel shotguns, and the drop on older shotguns always fits me perfect.

My 1896 GH fits me like a glove but on my reproductions I'm looking down on the top of the barrels.

[William Davis]

It's true more people look for longer Parker's but. You need a couple of short barrel guns too, and there are not that many around. I was shooting my 26 inch VHE 1 1/2 Frame today. It's a great handling gun for close fast targets.

I would pay the figures quoted for a D Grade same configuration without hesitation.

William

[Robbie Payne]

I appreciate everyone's feedback thus far and welcome any others. This is my first Parker so I'm very much still learning and every comment adds insight into the guns and this new found obsession I've developed.

While I've handled Parkers in the past its different when you become the custodian of one and can truly sit and fondle it in a way that allows you to fully appreciate it.

The hunt is on for my next one with a special interest in a VH 20 gauge shooter.

[Robbie Payne]

As far as this particular gun and its value goes, I understand the preference for longer barrels but thought that was what made it stand out a bit. Both the factory 26" barrels and a 1 frame 12 ga. are less than common aren't they?

I imagine it's first life as a dedicated grouse hunters pride and joy.