Parker Value

[Stephen Belanger]

Hi, I'm new to this forum but see that there are many knowlagble people here. So here is my question. I have a Parker made in 1906 serial number 135XXX. Why does everyone X out the last three numbers anyway? Oh well, it's a grade V there is no H but I'm told that only means hammerless. It has 28 inch Vulcan steel barrels weight 32 on a 0 frame size. The blue is still good but there is only a trace, very small trace if any but the blue is still OK, of case colors on the frame. There is some damage to the bottom of the stock where a dog bit on it and broke the butt plate but is in original condition. My million dollar question is, can anyone give me a ballpark value of it? I can post some pics. Thanks a lot. Steve B from Maine.

[John Dunkle]

Hey Steve!

First - welcome!!!

Second - pictures and the serial number would be a terrific help in trying to estimate value for you...! I'm only guessing it is a 20 GA based on the frame size - BUT??? (not in your original post ;) )..

Best to you!

John

[Stephen Belanger]

Hi John,

Thanks for the welcome. I guess I forgot to mention that it is a 16 ga. I have photos on my shop computer and will try to figure how to upload them tomorrow.

Thanks again,

Steve B.

[Stephen Belanger]

John,

I was able to link to my shop computer and get the photos so here they are. Also the serial number is 135XXX. Why is it most people X out the last three digits?

Thanks again,

Steve

[John Dunkle]

Hi Steve!

Thanks for the pics!! OK - first why people X out the serial numbers... There appear to be many reasons, but - the one I see most often is that someone will see a picture of your firearm - and report it as "stolen" to scam insurance companies.... Which - at first - makes you wonder.. While not being "snopes for PGCA" - fact is, insurance companies can request ATF assistance to verify the gun serial #’s (stored in FFL’s acquisitions books) and form 4473. So..... A person falsely claiming that a gun is stolen based on a serial # they saw from a picture, would start the wheels in motion including: local police/sheriffs departments, the ATF, primary distributor, 1st dealer it was sold too, 2nd dealer and or private citizen that bought it, blah. blah. Now - I don't know about you - but - I wouldn't want to be on the "wrong end" of that "chain reaction" by filing a false claim about a stolen firearm... :eek:

OK - as to "value".. Good pics BTW, thanks for sharing! When I get home (unless someone beats me to it ;) ) - I'll see if your gun is in the Parker Serialization book, OK? If so - you can check barrel lengths and your configuration against how it was noted to have left the factory.. If that's a "go" - there are a few things I see immediately in your pictures including: plate/stock damage (as you know); the hinge pin has been replaced; the screws are not in great shape/mis-indexed (not sure about the other screws not shown in the pics?)..? All of these things take away from the "value"??

Steve, my thanks again!!

John

[Gregory Miller]

Replacement butt plates are availble from companies such as Galazan/Conn Shotgun Mfg. Co. Keep the old one, but will look better with an unbroken pad. There are people who can repair the stock well, or lots of people who could patch a minor problem like on your gun.

Vulcan barrels are modern fluid steel.

Your gun is a VH, the V is the standard mark.

The 32 is that your barrels before being finished were 3 lbs 2 oz, which should make for a light dynamic gun.

Have a competent gunsmith check it out and enjoy. 16s are enjoying a bit of a come back and Parker 16s are wonderful guns.

[Stephen Belanger]

Boys i getting confused here. I need help I think. I can't figure our which butt plate to buy. Can someone help me please? Here's where I'm looking. http://www.csmcspecials.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=3

Thanks in advance,

Steve B.

[John Dunkle]

Try this one:

https://www.csmcspecials.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PB292

;)

John

[Stephen Belanger]

Thats the one I thought too but why does it say #1 instead of the #0 frame size?

Steve

[John Dunkle]

OK - you need to measure your stock out (sorry about that!!! - I thought I remembered you posted you had a #1 frame.. (Ain't age something?? :eek: )??

Let me take another look, OK??

John

[Stephen Belanger]

Thanks John,

I just ordered that one. Did you check out our website? We're in a unique / collectors type business too. Thats why these Parkers interest me so much. I'm loving it!

Steve B.

[Stephen Belanger]

I'm starting to think that I may have a #1 frame. Does that make sence? All the serial numbers match everywhere. On the back of the butt plate it has the number 1 on it. The front has the dog with a bird in its mouth. As close as I can measure it looks closer to the #1 than it does the #0.

[John Dunkle]

OK - on the bottom of the barrel lug - can you tell us what number is stamped there?

Like where this number is stamped:

http://parkerguns.org/images/ident/frame.jpg

John

[Stephen Belanger]

It's stamped 0

Steve

[Stephen Belanger]

John,

Sorry to keep bugging you. It measures 1 3/4 by and as close as I can tell 4 7/8 with 2 5/8 hole spacing center to center and at the top hole somewhere around .410. It has the spur with the setter and the snipe in it's mouth. On the back stamped #1. I'm going to order a research letter. Could this have been a special order or something?

Steve

[tom tutwiler]

Still sounds like a 16 Gauge VH with a number 0 frame. That buttplate with the dog and snipe would be normal for that level gun. If you want to send me a PM with the s/n I'll look it up in the book. If its listed, that should tell the story. Regards Tom

[Bill Murphy]

Many 0 frame guns have 1 frame stocks. Some 1 frame guns have 0 frame stocks. The 0 frame buttplate has the setter puppy figure. The 1 frame buttplate has a pointer or retriever with a bird in his mouth. Order the one that is like the one that came on your gun.

[tom tutwiler]

16 Gauge VH, 28" barrels, Capped Pistol Grip. No options. PS. That Murphy guy sure had good info. :)