Parker VHE 20ga
 

Hello, I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I just purchased my first Parker, a VHE 20 ga, 26in bbls, IC/IM.

Below are some pictures. I'm curious what you all think and if it would be a good candidate for a restoration. I am leaning toward restoring it and would have Brad Bachelder do the work. Thanks for your time.

http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...s4515eae9.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...s34ae7db1.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...s9534306a.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...s74e70957.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...s182a8db7.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...sebda7814.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...s9eeea478.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...s3a3e9a78.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...se3f94a19.jpeg
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/a...s68821c79.jpeg

Nice gun, I would leave it as is on this one. I would carry that one all day long.

Craig

Too nice, as it is, to restore. You'll only hurt the value.

I wouldn't touch it. That gun is in nice condition - too nice to spoil it with a restoration. Every scratch tells a story, most of which you'll never know. In time you'll add some of your own. If only these old guns could talk....
That is a lovely little Parker that is just beginning to get some patina and I for one, wouldn't interrupt that process. JMHO

Nope. Leave it as is and enjoy.

Nice gun, the last thing I would do is restore it, just enjoy it .

I would lean towards what some of the others are saying. That is to means as is since other than finish loss, there is nothing wrong with the gun. And you do have some original finish remaining on the frame, mostly on the top.

However, to play devil'a advocate, if you were to restore it, you have a great platform to do so since you are basically only talking about cosmetic restoration or freshening up.

In regards to value. Given what VHE 20s are currently selling for in that condition, I would not think you would be able to get a ton more out of the gun when restored when you factor in price of gun plus restoration cost.

I mostly collect Winchester Model 12, 42, 70 and am a diehard all original kind of guy. I've always wanted a Parker 20 ga with open chokes. I am fortunate enough to know the Bachelder's personally and grew up going into the shop with my Dad. I've seen first hand what Brad can do with a Parker, give it a new lease on life and truly "restore" it to it's original glory. I wouldn't be making any money off the restoration but would likely break even if I was in a bind and had to sell. If I use it for 20-30 years, will it "need" a restoration? I don't know.

On the other hand I could leave it alone, have less into it and enjoy it just as much. This is my dilemma, I appreciate the opinions and comments.

Marc

Maybe if you wanted a restored gun to all it's original glory you could find another one that needed the work done to make it usable again.

There doesn't appear to be anything in your photos that suggests the gun's life has expired, so I'm not sure I would characterize restoring this gun to new as giving it a new lease on life. Generally, there isn't anything in a cosmetic restoration that would extend the life of this gun. Even guns whose barrel bluing has all but gone will last with proper cleaning and normal post-use preservation.
There are many gun gunsmiths, whose work is well known, and regarded, however the experienced eye will always detect the restored guns from the pristine originals. All it takes is a scan of the big three gun sites to note that restored guns always lag behind good originals in the prices they realize.
I forgot what Dean calls it, but I have a similar way of describing how a gun "feels". They don't talk to me (and I don't see dead people) but they impart a warmth that only comes from a well loved, well cared for piece.