New Parker Owner Questions
 

Hello everyone, I recently inherited a Parker VH Grade that my father had sitting in a closet. It has been untouched since he bought it in New Hampshire about 30 years ago and I was wondering how to go about cleaning it in a way that won't ruin the value of it. There is some rust forming on the barrels, and on the first inch or so of the inside of the bore; the rest of the bore looks shiny when I put a light through it. It seems to be in usable condition, it is tight fitting and works properly when I dry fire it with snapcaps. For my other rifles I usually use Break-Free CLP for cleaning and lubricating, but idk if that is ideal for such an old gun. Finally, the bluing on the end of the barrels is wearing off, would it be best to leave it as is or get it reblued? Here are some quick pictures of it I took with my phone. My brother has a SLR camera that I hope to have access to soon for better pics if needed. Thanks in advance! Attachment 30571

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Some more pics

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Because your dad left it to you I would have it redone to some extent
At least the barrels
I think the family ties is important
At least to me they would be
In the end you may have more into it then what its is worth
But to me worth and value are 2 different things…..

Hello Britton,

The first and most important thing is to take care of the rust to prevent further damage. I'd get some fine bronze wool, wrap it on a bronze 12ga brush and with plenty of gun oil, scrub the rust away in the bores. You can also use the bronze wool and oil on the barrels without harming the blueing. What caused the spotting I don't know, possibly blood splatters. You can use any gun oil such as Break-Free CLP or similar oil to wipe on the metal.

The rest of the gun, assuming in good mechanical condition, is shootable as is. If it were mine, I'd have the barrels reblued by someone who is familiar with vintage barrel blueing. I'd leave the rest of the gun as is.

Your gun is a scarce and valuable #1 frame, 26", fluid steel Parker. Do everything by the book and you will be rewarded. Tell us where you are located and we will tell you whom to take it to for attention. Don't touch your screws. They are wonderful and will take hundreds of dollars to fix if you molest them.

Uhhh, this is interesting.... I thought it was a standard VH grade.... could you elaborate as I am new to this?

I am in CT by the way.

We have several knowledgable Parker Collectors in CT.

I don't think a 1 frame VH 12ga is scarce. More scarce than a 2 frame or 1 1/2 frame but there are a lot of them out there. It's a nice gun.

I would be interested in contacting them. I am new to the area of vintage shotguns, but I do know that restoring antiques can be very hit or miss in terms of keeping value.

I should add that I am not interested in selling this (unless it is somehow worth a stupidly large amount, which I doubt) but do want to restore it and possibly use it to hunt a bit without ruining its value. Basically I want it to be a nice heirloom.

Britton, I am in Southwest CT and I will be happy to look at your Parker. You may contact me here through Private Message. Dave....

A VH 12g is by no means rare. A 1 frame is more desirable. 26" barrels are a non standard option which would make it a little on the rare side. Providing they are factory.

The condition of the barrels do really warrant a proper re-blue. It will improve the look of the gun and also eliminate the headaches that come with trying to deal with a compromised finish. Everything else on the gun looks like honest wear.

according to the serialization book 173763 left the factory wearing 26 inch barrels

I wouldn't usually recommend reblueing barrels but in your case I would have to agree with the others and reblue them. If it was a natural wear on the blueing then I would leave them. Hooever said blood spatter was probable correct. Blood will take the blueing wright off. So will tomato juice ops.

Britton: My very favorite grouse gun is a 26" 1-frame 12ga Parker that weighs but 6#10oz. Since you want a nice heirloom, I would not hesitate for a second to spend the money to reblue those barrels, which most definitely need it. Do that and you'll have a very nice shooter that you'll enjoy shooting, not to mention your heirloom. You have no money into it at this point - if you have to pay to have it reblued to get what you want, so be it. It won't break the bank. You should have it dismantled and thoroughly checked inside while you're at it.

If you're going to keep it, definitely restore the barrels. Otherwise just flip it as-is.

The Parker Story lists extrapolated totals of V Grade 12 gauge 26" guns as 2,293 of a total V Grade 12 gauge production of about 52,000 guns. Many V Grade 26" guns were skeet guns on 1 1/2 frames. Not much room for the #1 frames. I won't argue that they are "scarce", but for some reason, we don't often see them. You have a very nice gun.

A 1 frame 26" 12 is a wonderful upland gun. Enough mass for a smooth swing, but won't wear you out carrying it.
I'm in N. Central CT.

rarely, does a 1 frame 12 gauge parker with fluid steel barrels come to market.