1st Parker in my collection

[Jason Hardebeck]

Hi all,

I acquired this gun from my sister-in-law's father's estate and am trying to get an idea of value for insurance purposes. I suspect it might end up being a parts gun as one of the barrels looks like it suffered a dent sometime in the past. Based on the grading guide, I think this is a DH Grade 3. Serial number 102957. I dropped some pics in an album at http://m1a.org/photo/?t=Albums/album_5061726b6572#Albums/album_5061726b6572 as well as a few attached. It's an absolutely gorgeous gun and I'd appreciate any thoughts; should I stick it in a safe or hang it on my office wall? Thanks in advance!

[Dean Romig]

It looks like somebody has already done some work on that dent, however, there is still the possibility the dent can be successfully and safely raised and turned into a shooter rather than a wall hanger.

It needs to be examined by an expert gunsmith well versed in old doubles with Damascus barrels.





.

[Jason Hardebeck]

Dean, that's great to know. I'd love to take a 120 year old gun hunting!

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

If the barrels are deemed unsafe, you might consider having full length Briley sub gauge tubes installed. I had that done many years ago on a Diamond Grade Charles Daly with thin barrels. It only added about 4-6 ounces, if I remember correctly, to the weight of the gun.

[Alfred Greeson]

Nice old gun, certainly not a parts gun. There is always a chance to find a second set of barrels for it or let Briley sleeve it. A little work and it is ready for the next 100 years.

[Harry Collins]

The "Book" confirms a DH with 30" barrels. Value? I'm a little out of touch with today's market, but would think in the $2,000.00 range.

[Jason Hardebeck]

Thanks all. Would sleeving it harm the value, or is the value inherent in it being a 100% functional firearm? I've watched enough Antiques Roadshow to know what a bad idea it is to scrub the dirt off a colonial-era bureau or polish that old bronze statue :) Other than having all work done by a highly-skilled gunsmith, is there anything that I should avoid doing at all costs (refinishing the stock, rebluing, etc)? Honestly, even if it's OK to fire, I've got plenty of other shooters in my collection and I'd be fine if this hangs over my fireplace instead.

[Mills Morrison]

It looks like a very presentable DH Parker. I would try to have the dent removed and, if the barrels are deemed unsafe, find another set of barrels that are safe.

There is a reason Parker made so many 30" 12 gauges. They are great to shoot.

[Brian Dudley]

The condition of the barrels overall and especially in the area of that repair are paramount to the "value" of the gun and also the ability of it to be safely fired.
The gun needs to be evaluated by someone in the know first.

The rest of the gun looks to be just great. A pretty well used gun, but well maintained.