A London gun VS a Parker is much the same as Russel boots VS Danner or another manufacturer. The others are manufactured the Russels hand made as is the London gun.

Do you want a side lock or box lock a 12 or a small bore? I recently sold a very nice 20ga Charles Boswell best box lock for what a GHE 20 in excellent condition would sell for. A best side lock even in a 12 bore will set you back five figures and probably be between an AHE and AAHE depending on condition.

My English guns are in 12, 16 (a two bbl set) and a 20 in hammerless guns and I wouldn't trade any of them. If you have your heart set on a London gun then by all means add one to your collection.

Is their such a thing as a “value” best? I realize value here is subjective obviously, but are their deals to be had? Outside of the big names?

You can find a very nice best gun from lesser known makers than Purdey, Holland & Holland or Boss.

There are always deals, but it just like Parkers, if it fits and you love, it buy it !
I bought a Boss round action at a steal and I bought a DH Damascus way over market price!

The question is. Does the gun talk to you...................... I have a H&H gun (no a pair!) that just took my soul (and I gave my soul for:eek: them ) I love Parker Skeet guns and I have a few but I sold most of my collection to pay for the above mentioned.

They are difference is, I love both, but they are as separate as night and day.

Kevin is totally correct in saying that American guns were built for utility first.We always have to remember that European guns had the protection of a proof law.They could build a gun to a specific load without worrying about liability.American builders had to look at their gun and say "what is the worst thing some fool can do to this?"and build accordingly.That is why our guns tend to be heavier and more durable.Also,the term "Best" tends to apply to guns built for driven shooting.If you look at English waterfowl guns they are close to our "field" grade guns.

Sporting Classics magazine, May/June, 1984, Firearms Column by Herschel Chadick, page 15, Quote: "If I am reincarnated and couldn't be a Parker, I'd want to be a Purdey!"
😊

Kirk,

Don Amos worked for several years researching English gun values. The values were based on auction results. He built a spreadsheet based on his research. He developed three ways to determine the price for a British gun:

1) Brand Value: how does the market value the name on the gun. A top tier maker (Purdey, Wooward, H&H, and Boss) bring a higher price than a 2nd or 3rd tier maker base on the two other factors being equal.

2) Original Value: looks at how well the gun was originally made. This is usually determined by the action features, engraving, wood figure, fit/finish, and to some edgy the original cost.

3) Current Condition: there are 7 levels to judge a gun on its current state of original finish and repairs.

A second or third tier maker could make a comparable gun to a first tier maker with the same features. On the used market today (and back in the day) would be cheaper based on brand value.

Ken

If I were reincarnated as an English double, and couldn't be a Boss, I'd be a Purdey.

I'd come back as either a Purdey or a Boss but only as a small bore hammer gun. Why? Because they are just plain cool:whistle:

If I owned DuBray’s 3 barrel set, Parker Hammer Pigeon Gun that’s going up for Auction at Morphy’s , would NOT trade it for a matched pair of English “best” Bentley Coupe and a tall blonde English girl to drive me from Grouse shoot to Grouse shoot.

William