Antiques

[Anne Gulliksen]

I have a Parker Bros. serial No.# indicates it was manufactured in 1927.
I am debating whether to sell it not, or wait four years when it will become an antique. Will it be worth more as an antique?
Anne Gulliksen

[John Knobelsdorf II]

You ask an interesting question Anne - interesting because I don’t think I’ve ever seen the aspect of “antique” status as a feature that mattered.

Depending on the condition of the specific gun, I’m only hoping that things are at least as valuable (and not less) in 4 or 5 years from now. I’m talking about the usual, run-of-the-mill guns we refer to as shooters and not the rare or the high-end condition examples that attract pure collector attention.

Restated, I expect it’ll sell today for about the same as it will sell in 4 years from now. What matters is condition and configuration.

Feel free to put up some pictures for us to comment on the condition and the configuration.

Let me close with what is intended to be a gentle explanation of etiquette around here on this discussion board: If you want to sell it here, then, you will also want to upgrade from forum associate to full member status.

[Anne Gulliksen]

Thank you John,
As a new member I appreciate the advice. I would like to post a few photos for an expert opinion of what you refer to as it configuration? Posting photos will be challenging for me.
Anne Gulliksen

[John Knobelsdorf II]

This works for me:

[Anne Gulliksen]

I was able to upload two photos from my file. I really don't know where they are now.116749

116750 [ATTACH]

[Anne Gulliksen]

https://parkerguns.orghttps://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=116752&stc=1&d=1684940602/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=116751&shttps://parkerguns.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=116753&stc=1&d=1684940602tc=1&d=1684940602

AS you all are the experts in this area, I would really appreciate an evaluation of this gun.
Regards,
Anne Gulliksen
Montrose, CO

[Bill Murphy]

Thank you. We need a serial number which may help us get more information. The gun is a V grade, or zero grade gun. The gun has been cleaned up, which does not help its value.

[Anne Gulliksen]

Thank you for your reply. I looked up the serial number on your website and it was made in 1927. The barrel is 28" but I don't understand what do you mean by "cleaned up""?
Hoping to hear back.
Anne

[Daniel Carter]

Your request is one seen frequently on this forum, as a guess at least twice a month. The qualified appraisers here do it for a living and will not respond. The information you provide is insufficient to come to any idea of what it is worth. Are the barrels shortened? Photo of the barrel ends over the bead would help to determine that. What is the butt a plate or pad. A photo of the entire gun, top ,side, bottom would help. As Mr. Murphy states it has been cleaned up as can be seen in the photos and the stock and forend appear to be oil soaked.
It is the most common grade and not ''collector'' quality
Looking over your posts i do not see the gauge which if a 16 or 20 would greatly effect it's value. Also photos of the frame top and the barrel flats would help to determine the frame size and gauge.

[Anne Gulliksen]

Thank you for the reply. I will work on gathering the information you need to evaluate its worth.
Anne

[Garry L Gordon]

Anne, you mentioned waiting several years for the gun to attain "antique" status. You should also know that with firearms the government has a legal timeframe for guns to be classified as antique. That date is 1898. Any gun manufactured after that date is subject to all of the current laws at the federal level (and whatever state you are in). You should look into the laws before you attempt to sell the gun.

I understand your timeframe for antique status, but wanted to be sure that you understood there is a terminology for guns that applies here also.

Good luck with your gun. It looks like a nice gun to shoot if a good smith deems it safe. I'm sure you could find a buyer if it is.

[Daniel Carter]

Thank you for the reply. I will work on gathering the information you need to evaluate its worth.
Anne

I did not make myself clear. This group is not an appraisal site, so many things affect the value that any guess is just that, a guess.
All are worth what a buyer will pay, finding that buyer is the problem. Your gun to this buyer is only worth a few hundred to another perhaps a thousand. Over that you will have to search far and wide.

[Brian Dudley]

What would you consider an antique? In the firearms world an “Antique” defined by the ATF is 1898 and older. It is not a moving target. So, according to that, your VH will never be one.

[Phillip Carr]

Anne as stated all firearms can only be considered an antique if made in 1898 or prior. I am assuming that you are under the impression that the shotgun becomes an antique once it becomes 100 years old.
The value of your shotgun is not in the collectability but in functionality. The person that will buy this gun will buy it with the intention of using it. The VH parkers are not rare, high original condition ones are desirable. Smaller gauges generally are more valuable than 12 gauges.
PGCA has records on many of the guns manufactured. Providing the serial number will allow us to look up the original configuration.
What is meant by Cleaned Up means work has been done to alter the original finish. For example if you had an antique dresser that had the original finish and patina cleaned off it, it is going to be less valuable than one that has been cared for in high condition with the original finish.
Most critical is the condition of the bores. If they are safe then most everything else can be repaired if needed.
Anne no one can provide an honest dollar value over the internet, there are just to many variables.
The best way to proceed is to have one of members here recommend a respected qualified gunsmith in your area to evaluate this particular Parker and advise you on its value.

[Bill Murphy]

You seem reluctant to provide the serial number. There is no ulterior motive in that request. We have access to a publication that may provide further information about your gun and its configuration. Thanks.

[Anne Gulliksen]

Good morning All,
I have done some investigating on my Dad's gun. Manufactured in 1927 First it has all three "matching" serial numbers; is a 16 gauge and uses 3" shells. The barrel is 28" and has its bead. I was told it is in fine condition and in working order.
I was also told the market is full of this type so I was advised to hang on to it, as it also has good provenance.

Thank you for help and direction in this matter, you have a very informative Assoc.
Best regards,
Anne Gulliksen
(I have attached a few photos taken this morning. )

[Bill Murphy]

Our reference shows it to be a 16 gauge with 28" Vulcan Steel barrels, which you already know. If the bores of the barrels are perfect and shiny, the gun would probably sell for $700 to $1100 in its present cleaned up condition. This is not a criticism of the fine gun, only a suggestion of its value.

[Phillip Carr]

I wonder if this is on a #1 or an 0 frame?