I have two American shotguns with what may be original swivels, a mag ten NID Ithaca and a 32" DHE 12 gauge Parker. Both of those guns work better with swivels than without because of their weight and because they are waterfowl guns. The long walk to blinds makes a gun with swivels a real joy compared to one without swivels.

Thanks to all for your comments and advice. We are seriously considering this shotgun. Does the serialization book state what the chamber length is or how it is choked?

Unfortunately, the serialization book does not give either of these two factors on any gun,

Bill

Speaking of swivels (original or not), what happened to the tried and true slip-on/slip off leather loop sling? On/off in an instant, leaving no swivels to snag on anything, and leaving the clean lines otherwise destroyed by this Euro-affected accessory. The only saving grace in this case is that the forend swivel is screw-attached to the under rib and easily removed, plugged, and finished over. The buttstock removal is easier still, since you are working with wood instead of metal. Other than that the only drawback is that IMHO the gun is about $800 over the market for a non-ejector V grade.

Chris good luck whatever your decision and it is great that your wife has shown a level of enthusiasm for a Parker...she is obviously a woman with great sense and classic style

As Kevin correctly states, the gun is quite a bit over the normal retail price for a field used VH 20.

I'm indeed a lucky man. We met in a gunshop. Our second date was to pick up a new 7x57 she had ordered. My first gift to her was a set of loading dies for same. Gift-wrapped, of course.
That hammer gun sounds delightful.
Chris

Parker factory swivel on a 1905 DHE confirmed by letter

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../390935762.jpg

Just my two cents but at $4k for an altered VH 20, the dealer in this economy may have it a long while. A stack of hundred dollar bills containing far less than forty of them may speak loudly. He is probably trying to triple his money.

just my 2 cents worth but ive not seen any 20 ga s above trogan grade for less than 3000...theres a pretty good one on gunbroker now for 3000 but it has been on there for a while it may have issues ive not noticed but looks pretty good for a shooter.... charlie