Little education for a new collector

[Dylan Rhodes]

Hi Everyone,

I need a little bit of an education from more seasoned collectors. Please see the listing below.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/parker-shotguns/parker-bros-model-dhe-12ga-30-quot-f-f-mfg-1909.cfm?gun_id=101626070&watch_list=1


I feel like the price is low for that, but i don’t think thats because the seller made an error. What makes this gun so low priced? Refinished maybe? It has no safety, single trigger, and ejectors. It’s my understanding that for every one of those boxes that is checked the value goes up. Of course, if they are original to the gun. Just to be clear, I’m not a buyer for this gun, just trying to learn.

Thank you,

[John Dallas]

Stock was shortened considerably sometime in the past. Now, with thick pad and spacer, it still is only 13 3/4". Price is different in two different places

[Jeff Kuss]

It appears to me that the stock has been altered on top to lower the drop. It has also been cut very short. It is only 13 3/4" lop with a spacer and rubber butt. The engraving appears to be very worn. The barrel blue appears to be thin.

[Dylan Rhodes]

Stock was shortened considerably sometime in the past. Now, with thick pad and spacer, it still is only 13 3/4". Price is different in two different places

Ah. Thank you. I didn’t notice the stock. I did notice the price discrepancy.

[Dave Noreen]

Stock was broken through the grip and glued back together. Include $4500 in the price for a proper restock. The gun made in 1909 didn't start life with that single selective trigger.

[Dylan Rhodes]

Stock was broken through the grip and glued back together. Include $4500 in the price for a proper restock. The gun made in 1909 didn't start life with that single selective trigger.

Thanks. I see the cracking in the stock now. Pretty obvious actually. How did you determine it did not start life with the single trigger?

[Dave Noreen]

According to The Parker Story the Parker SST was patented in 1917 but first offered to the public in 1921. There were a number of after-market single triggers available at the time the gun was made, but that looked like a Parker trigger to me.

[Dylan Rhodes]

According to The Parker Story the Parker SST was patented in 1917 but first offered to the public in 1921. There were a number of after-market single triggers available at the time the gun was made, but that looked like a Parker trigger to me.

Thank you. Sounds like there is some history to this gun then. I can understand the low value, particularly after seeing the cracking you pointed out.

[Andrew Sacco]

I have seen some amazing guns I want, but pass up because LOP is the deal killer for me (right behind drop which is my #1). Judging by the different wood tones something has been refinished looking at the fore end and stock. I find it amazing how many times photos do NOT show the true condition of the gun, I have had a few show up nicer than expected. Other times it's the proverbial pig wearing lipstick.

[Dean Romig]

The price isn't too low at all... it is IMO too high.

the forend (only?) isn't right for a D grade gun, among other things. Walk away.





.

[Brett Hoop]

The fore end wood is not Grade 3 it’s 0 grade. The short as lengthened and severity of the comb alterations, make for this an expensive gun, not a great deal. That is if you place value on original configuration and condition. My 2 cents only.

[Brian Dudley]

The only thing really interesting about the gun is the name on the guard bow and what history/provenance may come with it. It is in very poor condition and the price is really very high given that condition.

[Chris Robenalt]

Ditto that Dean, but I'd run, not walk!

[Alfred Greeson]

If the old boy could speak, someone enjoyed many days afield with it. But, from a collector point of view, it is not a good investment today but it's still what's left of a fine old Parker, past it's prime. Shame it didn't stay in the family where it would be appreciated. Ha, sort of like a number of us who check this forum every day or week and remember those good days afield.

[Alfred Greeson]

I have read of local gun smiths who were known to take a Parker and upgrade it and sell it locally, some did decent work but were not trying to fake it, just using a set of barrels and an action to built something that would be good afield and make a little money for their efforts. This could be one of those, the no safety appears to be factory and I would bet not all the serial numbers matched but as one old guy told me regarding changing serial numbers, Heck, I can do that while having lunch??? But, the thought makes a collector cringe. Just another unsolved mystery in life!

[Joe Graziano]

At auction, it would probably go for around $400, maybe.

[Larry Stauch]

I was looking at buying this gun from the same seller so I ordered a letter. Best money I ever spent. And I'm the only one, at the time, who had asked for a letter.
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Beyond the obvious there were other issues with this gun too. No special engraving was mentioned in the letter.
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https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/parker-shotguns/parker-bros-dhe-20ga-28-quot-mfg-1915.cfm?gun_id=101595243

[Bill Murphy]

Did the letter specify longer barrels than those on it now? .000 and .003 would usually indicate something is amiss.

[Larry Stauch]

Yes, 32" and another set of 32" 16 gauge!:eek: