Insuring my gun

[Rob Merrow]

I'm brand new to the forum; joined because I want more information about my gun. I have a 12 gauge Parker, serial number 205406, stamped "GH", that I was given by my great-uncle thirty-five years ago. He bought it new, and I have the receipts and related papers somewhere. It is in a leather mutton-leg case and appears to be in excellent condition. I shot it once, twenty years ago, and that may have been the only time it's ever been used. My question is, what should I insure it for?
I can send pictures if it helps.
Thanks in advance for any help.

[Dean Romig]

Pictures would help a lot...

But if you are likely to have been the only one who ever shot it it could be very valuable. Did he buy it directly from Parker Bros. or Remington? Heck, it could even be a desirable 1/2-frame... If all this proves true it could be worth as much as $8,000 or more - possibly much more.

But, "condition is everything" in putting a value on a Parker so let's see some pictures.

[Larry Frey]

He bought it new, and I have the receipts and related papers somewhere.:eek:

Rob,
You are very lucky to be in possession of your family Parker. I would order a PGCA letter to verify and document your Great Uncle as the original purchaser and to see what other info is available for this gun. Also any documents you may have related to the purchase of this gun would add to the value and should be kept in the gun safe with the gun.

[Rob Merrow]

Thank you both for your quick replies. I'll take some pictures this afternoon and pass them along. Can you tell me the significance of the numbers/letters on the underside of the barrel? I assume the "12" is gauge, but then there's "1 1/2", "PS hta", and "3.13"
Also, how do I get a verification letter?
Thanks, RM

[Robin Lewis]

Rob,

If you go to the www.parkerguns.org home page and look on the left side, there are links that can help you with all of this. The "Research Letter" will explain how to get a letter and "Parker Identification" will explain the markings. Check ot FAQ while you are there too. Those should help you get acquainted with Parker.