DH restoration question?

[Ben Evans]

Hello everyone. I'm new here and recently bought my first Parker. It's a DH model and generally is in good shape but I think I would like to have it restored to as close as possible to how it left the factory. The gun has 28" barrels, the frame size is 1-1/2, it has an English straight stock and the engraving is in pretty good shape but the colour case has worn off over the years. Both stocks have been replaced at some point but I think I'll have it re-stocked. Is there a way to learn how the gun left the factory? I'm going to have Chris Dawe do the work for me when I'm ready but I would like to be able to give him the information he'll need for the project. Thanks guys for any help.

Ben

[Jim DiSpagno]

Pictures pictures and more pictures of all the vital areas.

[Dean Romig]

It is likely to be a very costly endeavor to do all that you propose.





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[Brian Dudley]

A research letter is the best way to know anything about it. Chris will know what to do with the rest.

[edgarspencer]

You will spend a lot more on restocking your gun than you probably paid for it. First time owners often take a gun and halve it's value. There has to be something special about the gun, before investing $3500 to $4000 in a DH, on top of what you paid. Simply put, that kind of expense is more than the difference between the cost of an average gun, and an above average gun.

[Dylan Rhodes]

I second the research letter comment. The OP did not ask our opinion of the economics of this adventure.

[Garry L Gordon]

If the gun is shootable (fits you and is safe to shoot), I’d recommend giving this decision time. Your views may change about restoring guns. Mine did, and I have a regret or two. Hard to overcome regret.

[Andrew Sacco]

If the gun is shootable (fits you and is safe to shoot), I’d recommend giving this decision time. Your views may change about restoring guns. Mine did, and I have a regret or two. Hard to overcome regret.

I think he'd be lucky to have a stock at $4,000. I had a very well known "restorer" look at a 16g VHE for me. It was $11,000 for new stock, bluing, case color, tightening it all up, replacing screws, recut the metal engraving, basically make it "like new" Since I paid $2100 for it I passed hahahah. But I just had to know to see for myself what it cost. I then took it to a lesser known restorer who offered a new stock only, WITHOUT checkering or stain, done on a duplicator, for $5,000. That was NO metal work at all. Now I kill birds with it as it is and couldn't be happier. But I don't judge those who choose to spend that money, it keeps some folks employed.

[Dean Romig]

That's true Dylan but he said he was new here and just in case he was unaware I was simply offering an opinion... no criticism and I never suggested the cost he should expect... because I don't know what that work would cost.:cheers:





I second the research letter comment. The OP did not ask our opinion of the economics of this adventure.

[Mike Koneski]

Go to the PGCA home page first and search to see if there are records for your gun. If so, then order a research letter and you will find how it left the factory. Sometimes a lot of info, sometimes a little.

The cost of a restock can be staggering. That cost makes an adjustable comb even more appealing. :corn:

[Andrew Sacco]

Bwahahaa Mike that's good. I'm trying to find the photo of the black synthetic stock you had put on your VH.

[Ben Evans]

Thank you for all of your help gentlemen, I really appreciate it. I know to do everything will be expensive for sure. I might need to do it in stages. The serial numbers between the receiver and the forestock do not match and its in bad shape. Mechanically everything's seems to be in order, tight on face and the barrels ring true. I'm mostly looking for a nice gun for me that I can hunt with once in a while and still be a show piece in my collection. All of my other vintage side by sides are basic field models from Fox, Ithaca and Lefever. I thought a DH grade Parker was a higher grade gun and that's when I'm interested in restoring it.


Ben

[Larry Stauch]

Thank you for all of your help gentlemen, I really appreciate it. The serial numbers between the receiver and the forestock do not match and its in bad shape.
Ben

Gee Ben, I was on your team until this little known fact came out. Start over by replacing that parts gun with one with good bones and then go for it. At least then you'll have something you can sell for 25% of what you spent instead of 5% of what you spent.

[Ben Evans]

I think it will be a perfect hunting gun which is what I'm looking for. I love hunting waterfowl with those classic side by sides, it's like stepping back in time. Just something special about it. I'm a hunter first and a collector second so I'm ok with the lower collector value because I want to use it for many years and don't plan on selling it and it will look fantastic when Chris has finished working his magic on it. I'm very excited about it!

Ben

[Garry L Gordon]

I think it will be a perfect hunting gun which is what I'm looking for. I love hunting waterfowl with those classic side by sides, it's like stepping back in time. Just something special about it. I'm a hunter first and a collector second so I'm ok with the lower collector value because I want to use it for many years and don't plan on selling it and it will look fantastic when Chris has finished working his magic on it. I'm very excited about it!

Ben

Ben, I hope you’ll share some photos from that first hunt with your “new” gun.

[Ben Evans]

I will for sure.

Ben

[Arthur Shaffer]

Ben

I have been following this thread and realize that you are not a member and can't access the member forums. One of the big reasons to join is to check the sales forums for good buys or just info. Last week there was a 12 ga DHE with 32 " barrels listed for sale in the high-mid $2000 range. It had been restored several years ago and was in great shape, had been in a collection and was listed as being in solid condition by a well known seller. All finishes looked good and would have made a solid trap or waterfowl gun that was impressive to see and use. It sold quickly. Deals like this come up all the time. When I bought my first two Parkers a few years ago I bought a 12 ga G grade and a 16 ga D grade that had been totally restored and then not obviously shot only a few years before. I paid in the range of $2500 to 3000 for both of them and they are magnificent looking guns. I recieved documentation on both of the restorations and the work for the restorations was between 2 and 3 times what I paid, and didn't include the purchase price of the guns.

This is just the reality of the market and it is relatively easy to find buys like this if patient. Spend some time really researching the market and then compare your gun to what you find. Then decide if you would rather spend thousands of dollars restoring the gun you have or buy two more completely restored guns and doing any required maintenence work on the one you have. Most people, unless it is a family heirloom, will generally come down on the practical side of the equation.

[Arthur Shaffer]

Ben

I have been following this thread and realize that you are not a member and can't access the member forums. One of the big reasons to join is to check the sales forums for good buys or just info. Last week there was a 12 ga DHE with 32 " barrels listed for sale in the high-mid $2000 range. It had been restored several years ago and was in great shape, had been in a collection and was listed as being in solid condition by a well known seller. All finishes looked good and would have made a solid trap or waterfowl gun that was impressive to see and use. It sold quickly. Deals like this come up all the time. When I bought my first two Parkers a few years ago I bought a 12 ga G grade and a 16 ga D grade that had been totally restored and then not obviously shot only a few years before. I paid in the range of $2500 to 3000 for both of them and they are magnificent looking guns. I recieved documentation on both of the restorations and the work for the restorations was between 2 and 3 times what I paid, and didn't include the purchase price of the guns being restored..

This is just the reality of the market and it is relatively easy to find buys like this if patient. Spend some time really researching the market and then compare your gun to what you find. Then decide if you would rather spend thousands of dollars restoring the gun you have or buy two more completely restored guns and doing any required maintenence work on the one you have. Most people, unless it is a family heirloom, will generally come down on the practical side of the equation.

[Ben Evans]

Thank you Art. I didn't't realize there was another membership to sign up to and I'll do that right away.

I'm newer to the classic side by sides and have so much to learn. Luckily for me the gunsmith has a stock and forend on hand so it will be much less expensive than having a new stock made. Going forward though I will definitely be a little more patient on buying guns. I did buy this DHE for very cheap and in Canadian dollars which also helped. I really appreciate you taking the time to teach me this.

Ben

[Arthur Shaffer]

Sorry for the confusion Ben. I thought I saw your original posting and thought it showed you as a Forum Associate. They are all shown as PGCA Member now, so you should be able to view the For Sale sections. Browse through several months of these and you will see real life examples and pictures of guns that are sold.

[Ben Evans]

Sorry for the confusion Ben. I thought I saw your original posting and thought it showed you as a Forum Associate. They are all shown as PGCA Member now, so you should be able to view the For Sale sections. Browse through several months of these and you will see real life examples and pictures of guns that are sold.


You weren't wrong Art. I just joined up and I can see those adds now. That DH you mentioned is a beauty for sure. I would love that one! My only issue is with me being in Canada it would be north of $4000 by the time I did the money conversion and all of the import requirements . I'm enjoying learning from others with many decades of experience with these guns and I'm guessing eventually I will be going through the process of buying a gun from the States and bringing it north too.

Thanks,

Ben