Britton, I am in Southwest CT and I will be happy to look at your Parker. You may contact me here through Private Message. Dave....

A VH 12g is by no means rare. A 1 frame is more desirable. 26" barrels are a non standard option which would make it a little on the rare side. Providing they are factory.

The condition of the barrels do really warrant a proper re-blue. It will improve the look of the gun and also eliminate the headaches that come with trying to deal with a compromised finish. Everything else on the gun looks like honest wear.

according to the serialization book 173763 left the factory wearing 26 inch barrels

I wouldn't usually recommend reblueing barrels but in your case I would have to agree with the others and reblue them. If it was a natural wear on the blueing then I would leave them. Hooever said blood spatter was probable correct. Blood will take the blueing wright off. So will tomato juice ops.

Britton: My very favorite grouse gun is a 26" 1-frame 12ga Parker that weighs but 6#10oz. Since you want a nice heirloom, I would not hesitate for a second to spend the money to reblue those barrels, which most definitely need it. Do that and you'll have a very nice shooter that you'll enjoy shooting, not to mention your heirloom. You have no money into it at this point - if you have to pay to have it reblued to get what you want, so be it. It won't break the bank. You should have it dismantled and thoroughly checked inside while you're at it.

If you're going to keep it, definitely restore the barrels. Otherwise just flip it as-is.

The Parker Story lists extrapolated totals of V Grade 12 gauge 26" guns as 2,293 of a total V Grade 12 gauge production of about 52,000 guns. Many V Grade 26" guns were skeet guns on 1 1/2 frames. Not much room for the #1 frames. I won't argue that they are "scarce", but for some reason, we don't often see them. You have a very nice gun.

A 1 frame 26" 12 is a wonderful upland gun. Enough mass for a smooth swing, but won't wear you out carrying it.
I'm in N. Central CT.

rarely, does a 1 frame 12 gauge parker with fluid steel barrels come to market.