1901 DH --opinions wanted

[Russell E. Cleary]

Here is a friend’s heirloom gun, which was apparently used by his grand-father, William O. Taylor, a member of the family which published the BOSTON GLOBE for over 100 years.

It is in the serialization book and there are factory records available.
He wishes to know opinions on value; may want to sell it; understands that he cannot offer it on this forum for sale and also asks about restoration advisability.

The pictures are not very clear, but there are quite a few of them.

It accords with the Serialization Book. Serial number is 100 835 (thus, 1901); 12-gauge; DH; reportedly a #2-frame; Titanic steel 30-inch barrels; top-lever; no extras; capped pistol grip. It exhibits a pinned stock head and deteriorated butt pad (originality unknown). Case color reportedly negligible. Barrels not examined or rung.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[Brian Dudley]

Based on the photos you have shown, the gun appears to be in decent overall condition, with the exception of the pinned head. The big positive is the Titanic steel barrels vs. damascus.

In the grand scheme of things, a 30" 12g. 2 frame DH is pretty common and usually not "worth" restoring from a fiscal standpoint. And, really the condition is not so bad to justify any sort of full restoration.
However, some basic things like replacing the recoil pad, cleaning and making sure the head of the stock is sound, and maybe even eliminating the pin may be worth while to do.

The pad looks like it is likely original to the gun and was ordered with it.

[Craig Larter]

My guess $1900. fine shooter condition, the pinned head bring it down in value.

[Eric Eis]

I just sold a D grade two frame 30" Damascus barrel with good pattern and bores perfect, some case color original stock finish with SSBP and I advertised it here on the board and finally got $1700 for it. I would do as Brain says clean and lube and new pad as you will never get your money out of a restoration of the gun.

[Mark Ray]

I like the engraving.....seems slightly more “english” than most...

[Bill Murphy]

Does the gun have a safety? Did you request a PGCA letter, which could add to its value?

[Russell E. Cleary]

Bill: The gun has a safety (old-style). I will attach a photo.

I am suggesting that the owner at least get a Research Letter to enhance his appreciation of the gun and consider joining the PGCA for the manifold benefits and advantages that accrue to taking that step.

He had gone to more modern and steel shot-suitable guns for hunting over the years, but learned on the Parker, and shot it with considerable success at the range. One of those “ranges” included The [Brookline] Country Club, the oldest such club in the U. S. (Tom Brady and family were recently admitted, apparently after much deliberation, he being so “high-profile” for such a privacy-minded club.)

Given the responses from Members on this thread, I hope he decides on restoration to maintain the gun's functionality as outlined above, and keeping it.

[todd allen]

From the little glimpse that we get of the buttstock, I think some really nice figure is going to be revealed with a proper restoration.
I say, if mony's not an issue, go for it.

[Richard Flanders]

I think Mr. Dudley could turn it into a bit of a stunner in pretty short order. Very nice wood, nice engraving. Get rid of the pin, put a new pad on and restore the wood. She'd be a real beauty. I have one very similar to that one except with Damascus bbls and an elk on the bottom. It's very light for a 2-frame and swings like a dream and is an ideal late-season wild-flushing pheasant gun.

[edgarspencer]

PM sent re: Provenance.

[John Davis]

It's an heirloom, so I assume your friend has no money in it. That gives him a whole lot of latitude when considering how much he wants to spend on restoring it. If I had my grandfather's Parker, I know what I'd do.

[Dean Romig]

If I had my grandfather’s Parker, especially if he bought it new, I would not erase a single mark he put on it.





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[Eric Eis]

If I had my grandfather’s Parker, especially if he bought it new, I would not erase a single mark he put on it.





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Or sell it............!

[Michael Moffa]

What would be the value for a grandfathers touch now long gone. What be the price we could measure? They speak of fields walked, game taken, days gone by, only in its silence does convey meanings only known to the holder. I hope they keep it in the family. I've purchased Parkers from original family owners and slightly cringe in taking possession of what they don't know or feel.

[allen newell]

I have my grandfathers 16 ga VH that was passed down to my dad and then to my hands. While its not a high grade 16, it holds the most meaning of all my parkers and will go to my second cousin, Tom Newell when I pass. It will remain in Newell hands. I should add that my first double on grouse at age 16 was with this 16. My advise is clean it up and keep the DH in your family.

[Randy G Roberts]

If that were my grandfather's gun it would be staying with me. If your friend is not a shooter maybe there is someone within the family that is that would like to have that gun. After all we are not talkin about a financially life-altering sum of money here. If grandpa had that pin put in the stock then I would leave it. Concerning the pad, it would be a little difficult to shoot in its present condition but I would hate to see that pad go. It makes me wonder if it could somehow be shaped around the contour of the existing butt stock. If it could be it would be cool, at least in my opinion to reshape it and leave it on there. Not many folks are afforded the opportunity to own Granpas D grade, wish I was one of the lucky ones.Just my two cents.