Looking for an appraiser
 

Hello All!

I am new to this forum, so I thank you; in advance, for any advice.
I have a 1920, SBT Parker shotgun; SC grade. It was left to me from my Father many years ago, and I'm hoping to learn its true value. I live in Columbus, Ohio. Any thoughts? Thank you.

Jaqua's in Findlay, OH

Unless it’s in pristine condition of 90+% condition it is likely worth something less than $5k.





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Some photos of the gun would help with an estimate, but for the most part the members here don't hand out appraisals. As Big D noted, Jaqua's would give you an honest appraisal of its retail value and what they would offer if it was for sale. Take a look at some of the other threads on this site to see how the SBT guns are presented in photos so you give the best possibility of a value estimate.

Hey Guys!
Thank you for all your thoughts. I appreciate it. I tried to take some pictures of the gun; to post, but the weather here is very overcast today, and the pictures are too dark. I'll try and get some decent pictures on here soon. Thank you again for your time.

Hello Guys,
Here are a few pictures of my SBT. I was only able to post 5 images. It is a 12 gauge, with a 30" barrel, Case hardened. Bluebook said to add 15% for the 30" barrel? It is in very fine condition. I'd say at least 80%; if it weren't for the two flaws on the butt stock. The last 2 pictures show the small chip, and the small hairline crack. How much do you think these flaws drop it's percentage condition? I just took it to a local gun store/club; for the heck of it, and they gave me a range between 3500-4000. Seems low, but maybe not? Need to take a road trip for an expert opinion from Jaqua's. Any thoughts are very much appreciated. Thank you again.

Here are a few more images. Btw- the flaws I referred to in the previous message were the first 2 images; not the last 2. Thanks again.

Karl, it is a refinished SC, not at all in original condition.
Those "flaws" in the stock are of critical importance (one being a chip blown out of the top of the stock head and replaced poorly by a non-matching piece - the other at the rear of the tang is easier to hide, but...) - they reduce the value considerably!
And any bluebook value being increased by 15% doesn't even apply because it is not a "collector value" gun due to the issues I pointed out.





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Thank you Dean for your quick response. Appreciate your observations, but am disappointed by what you see. You really feel it’s been refinished? In your opinion, as far as percentage of originality; ie. Blubook, what would you place it at? I appreciate it.

Karl, there's really nothing original about the condition of the gun. It has its original stock and forend but they have been refinished, recheckered, non-original butt, and noted damage.
The barrel and frame are original but the front sight has been replaced, the frame has been re-case-colored using the cyanide method where an original Parker SC would have had the factory bone charcoal color case-hardening...

So, regarding % of original condition.... I'd say very, very little.
% of as restored condition.... I'd say 70% maybe... but blue book value isn't based on restored condition guns.





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The 15% increase in value for a 30" gun is not borne out in actual sales. The chip pictured is not a small chip, it is a major flaw until addressed with a professional repair. The gun would still be of interest to a buyer interested in a shooting gun.

The gun has been refinished, the wood is damaged, and likely not original. It also has a non-original morgan pad. All that really hurts it a lot. Value wise.

Parker SBT’s are a niche, within a niche, within a niche. In other words, the market is very small. Serious Collectors of Parker SBT’s (and there aren’t many of them) want only the highest original condition guns. This one’s not. Serious Trap Shooters of Parker SBT’s (and there aren’t many of them) are not so concerned about original condition but want sound wood and mechanics and probably 32 inch or greater barrel length. This one’s not.

It’s still a nice gun with lots of potential, I just wouldn’t get my hopes up that it’s going to fetch a big price or sale quickly.

And, Karl, the good Mr. Davis knows of what he speaks when it comes to Parker SBTs and their shooting.

The gun was probably sent to Del Grego's for metal refinish and handled very carelessly after it was refinished. Auction value, $2000 to $2200. Seller would get about 75% of that. Sell it privately.

Hey Guys,
First off, I would like to thank all of you for your replies of advice, and insight. I thank you for sharing your expertise with me. I've learned a lot so far. Any more thoughts and advice is much appreciated. This gun has been in my family close to 40 years, and I always assumed it was in original condition. Well, we know when you assume. My Dad bought it from a dear friend of his who was quite the shooter; who had a very extensive gun collection. He use to compete at Vandalia; back in the day. Anyways, I don't think my Dad realized it wasn't original? Curious how long ago the work was done? Oh well; it is what it is. So, I was going to ask you all, the gun in it present condition; what you all thought it might be worth? I see that Mr. Murphy suggested a value of 2000-2200. Seem about right? What do you all think? If you'd be willing to say. Thank you all again for educating me on my SBT. Hope you all have a Happy Fourth of July.

I think Bill's estimate is about right... certainly not worth $3k IMO.





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Murphy's price is spot on. Shoot it and enjoy it. The value is in it's family history.

It would be interesting to some about the previous owner, who was 'quite the shooter...and shot at Vandalia' if you would care to divulge his name. There were some VERY accomplished shooters of the Parker single 'back in the day'. If you prefer not to divulge his name, I understand.

Brian Dudley, who posted on this thread, is very accomplished, and can repair your wood defects to be invisible, and make your gun worth its maximum value.