Help...

[Thomas Gould]

PGCA,

I inherited my father’s Parker Bros shotgun, long time ago.

As I near my time, (I am 87), I am putting my “things” in order.

I know of the Parker Bros reputation, and have had a few people over the years ask me to buy the gun.

I am not a hunter nor a trap/skeet shooter.

While I’m not sure who I will pass the gun to. But I would like to know something about the grade and value.

Here are all the markings I find on the gun.

OV HT
A
12
2 (at 90 degrees CW) J.G (these initials are in a circle)
S/N 204977 (in 3 places)
1923
W

The gun was given to my father by his father, Dr. Richard J. Gould. That could explain the J. G. initials.
On their first outing, my father fell over a fence, breaking the stock. Grampa had a new one made by a gunsmith. My father claimed it was not a factory replacement.

There is a very small dent in one barrel from the accident.

Other than that the gun is in good shape. I clean & oil it at least yearly. It is kept in a gun case.

So, what can you tell me about the gun and a possible value.

Thanks, in advance,

Thomas Gould

[Dan Steingraber]

Welcome and Congratulations on your longevity. You have a Trojan model Parker with a replacement stock. You can read about the grades of Parker Shotguns through a link found on the home page of this site. The Trojan model was the lowest grade/cost Parker but are similar in most respects to all grades of Parker. The shape of the receiver is distinct and specific to the Trojan. Some of the markings provide information about the gun and there is much uncertainty about others. You can find information on the markings through the home page too. I’m sure someone more knowledgeable than myself will be along shortly to provide the answers to your questions. You might enjoy reading the information about Parker shotguns available via the tabs along the left side of the home page.

[edgarspencer]

Apart from the white line spacers (just a personal preference), it's a pretty good looking stock for not being factory. The JG is the mark of Jim Geary, who was the barrel foreman at the time the gun was made.

[Bill Murphy]

Hunt up one of the people who wanted to buy the gun, let them write you a check for $800, and be happy.

[Gerald McPherson]

Bill is about right on the value but please find someone in your family to leave it to along with the story. Look how long you have enjoyed it. And you never sold it. That speaks volumes.

[Thomas Gould]

Thanks Gerald. I concur. I do have someone to leave it to. I am still curious about all the letters & numbers though.

[allen newell]

I'm glad you're keeping it in the family.

[Jeff Baer]

Hunt up one of the people who wanted to buy the gun, let them write you a check for $800, and be happy.

Ouch, I paid a good amount more for my Parker Trojan at a gun show on 11/29/25. This gun looks newer than the one I purchased...

[John Davis]

Jeff, don’t be too quick to jump to any conclusions about the value of your “new” Trojan based solely on this thread. All Trojans are not equal.

[Jeff Baer]

Thanks John, I was thinking more that I paid too much for my gun. I'm realizing now that the stock on my gun is not original. It's lacking the checkering and the butt plate is a Remington. I wasn't looking for a "collectors" gun when I went to the show... just a gun I can shoot trap but when I saw this gun I really liked the look and feel. Anyway... I still love the gun and I can live with it even though I may have paid a few hundred too much.

[Dan Steingraber]

Thanks John, I was thinking more that I paid too much for my gun. I'm realizing now that the stock on my gun is not original. It's lacking the checkering and the butt plate is a Remington. I wasn't looking for a "collectors" gun when I went to the show... just a gun I can shoot trap but when I saw this gun I really liked the look and feel. Anyway... I still love the gun and I can live with it even though I may have paid a few hundred too much.

Jeff, A very wise, old collector told me "You never pay too much but sometimes you buy too soon." My philosophy is; if I want it and can afford it, I buy it. These guns offer so much more than utility. Study every mark and scratch on the gun and imagine what adventure, or misadventure caused it. Enjoy your "new" best friend.

[John Davis]

Jeff, I never paid too much for a gun I liked and shot well.

[Dean Romig]

True, sometimes we pay it too soon, but if you want the gun - if it speaks to you - what else can we do?





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[Jeff Baer]

I agree with all the comments...
Tomorrow is the big day for the first shoot with this gun... can't wait to get out there and blow apart some clays...

Glad to meet you all... very cool people!