A grade 1 16ga hammergun, straight grip and 32 inch barrels. Next is an O grade 16ga lifter hammergun.

Of the three grades you suggest Craig, I prefer the Grade 1 or PH.

I feel like such a fool and I really need to have my head examined because one walked into the show on Saturday that, if I had any intelligence at all, I should have bought. It was very easily in the same condition of the NH that Dave shows but it was a twenty gauge with fabulous twist barrels, exceptionally nice wood and virtually no flaws... it was just beautiful... I'm such a fool. The guy wanted only $4995 for it and I believe it's value was considerably higher.

Anyway, back to the original question - The grade 1 is my preference because of the classically understated engraving, better wood, availability of either a capped pistol grip, straight grip, or round knob grip, Also, the bold Twist pattern of the barrels is unique to the majority of Grade 1's prior to the introduction of Parker Steel barrels.

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;155094]
I feel like such a fool and I really need to have my head examined because one walked into the show on Saturday that, if I had any intelligence at all, I should have bought. It was very easily in the same condition of the NH that Dave shows but it was a twenty gauge with fabulous twist barrels, exceptionally nice wood and virtually no flaws... it was just beautiful... I'm such a fool. The guy wanted only $4995 for it and I believe it's value was considerably higher.

:banghead::crying:

The nicest Parker I own is this little VHE 20 gauge .

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...psd4b78b79.png

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ps723915dc.png


But I like the engraving on the GH , EH , Grade 2 hammer guns the best !

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ps4fe686ca.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ps3865945a.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ps80a77fc1.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...psd7df9643.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...psd164fef1.jpg

Now all I need to do is find a pair of EH 10 gauge guns that fit my budget ! One on a #2 frame and the other on the easier to find #3 frame !

Craig Thompson said it pretty well

Which Craig?.... The OP, Craig Larter or Craig Thompson?

That is a very nice VHE 20!!

I'm 53 years old !

I've known that gun for about 45 years . The gentleman I bought it from got it in 1956 from the original owner . Well rather his father bought it for him while he was in college from the original owner .
I had expressed quite a bit of intrest in that gun for many many years , and when he decided to let it go I was offered first refusal .

A couple years before that from the same gentleman I got a very nice second year production Browning Superposed 20 gauge that he had gotten from the father of a friend of my fathers . I had known that Superposed for about 30 years ! My fathers friends father had bought the Browning new in 1952 I believe .

Dean, stop beating yourself up! At our local Chantilly VA 'show' (now rapidly approaching flea market/yard sale offerings), two prime Parkers were presented for sale: a very nice 20 ga. Damascus GH and a VERY seductive 20 ga. VH with 30" barrels perfect dimensions and straight grip! Luckily, I was able to honor my New Year's resolution to myself and, formerly having owned slight variants of both guns, held onto the integrity of my savings account in expectation of some hefty incoming bills from master gunsmiths now correcting problems requiring immediate attention on 3 of my 'hospital guns.' If I had to choose one to buy, it would have been the sleek (and I mean SLEEK!) little straight grip 30" twenty. As I examined it I could hear doves thudding to the floor all around me

Kevin and Dean you guys have more discipline than me!! I am a big bore guy but I would have found the resources for those two guns especially the straight grip 20 with 30" bbls.
I do think the PH or any grade 1 with twist barrels and the modest engraving coverage is heads above the VH or Trojan for looks. It seems from my review of asking prices that the PH is under appreciated and valued equal to the more common Trojans and VH's.