Parker 10 gauge
 

I have a Parker 10ga. I have all other info on it other than the grade. There isn't a stamp for the grade. Is it possible to have a pre-grade gun?

Short answer is "yes." You could have what we call a "dollar grade." Best thing to do is post pictures and serial number

Here are some pictures of what I have. The serial number is 37865. I am also planning getting a letter for it as well. It has a 30" barrel. Thanks

A letter would answer your question, most likely. Looks to be a Quality 0 or 1. The straight stock is a bonus.

I just sent off for it.

I also hope I didn't pay to much for it. Not sure if I want to get it restored yet or not.

Straight grip, 10-gauge, Twist barrels should be a Quality S --

Attachment 88844

According to the dating by serial number on the home page, 37865 would be an 1883 vintage gun. The above Price List is dated July 1, 1882.

By 1900, Parker Bros. reduced the twelve entry-level Qualities to four -- Qualities R, S, T & U --

Attachment 88845

eliminating the Laminated steel Qualities I, K, L & M and the Fine English Twist Qualities N, O, P & Q. A while later they they dropped the price differential for grip style and had only the Quality R & T. Still later they dropped the price differential for 10-gauge and had only the Quality T in the catalogs. But we see some late Twist barrel hammer guns stamped P, Aligning with the Twist barrel hammerless gun Quality PH.

Some Terminology Minutia

From the beginning the number designations were Grade and when letter designations were introduced they were Quality. By the 1923 catalog only the A1 Special and AAHE Pigeon Gun were prefaced with the word Quality. The others were AHE, VH, Trojan, etc. By the 1927 catalog Quality is gone and the guns are listed as Parker A1 Special, Parker AAHE, Parker AHE.......Parker PH, Parker VH, Parker Trojan. That remained through the 1934 catalog. Only the large Remington era Parker catalog used the term Grade with the letter designations.

The straight stock was $5 cheaper than a pistol grip in those days.

Thank you for your reply. I am going to have to say though I am still very confused. Lol

I think Researcher want's my job:nono: He's spot on:bowdown:

I’ve got a grand into it. Did I pay to much for it?

You probably did, but the wood to metal fit looks exceptional for a gun that age and that is a really good sign. A tight breech when closed and clean bores would be some other good features.

It is confusing for sure and the more you learn about Parkers, the more you realize is still out there to learn

Chuck, your job is secure!!

It should be mentioned that the "Grade" numbers, 0 to 9, were factory internal use and never appeared in catalogs or advertising.

Generally the Brothers P didn't stamp the number 0 or 1 on the guns. We see 2 and higher stamped on the watertable of the guns --

Attachment 88849

and 3 and higher on both the watertable and the barrel flats --

Attachment 88850

Attachment 88851

Attachment 88852

Attachment 88853

So how does this equate into finding a value for this gun. I am trying to decide if it’s worth restoring or just keep as is and be happy I have a Parker.

Bottom line, you aren't going to increase its value through restoration.

You should also be aware this is kinda addictive , six years ago I didn’t own a Parker 10 now I’ve got a dozen or more :eek:

A dozen? Craig, it's time for you to go shopping.

I lost count of my 10's a year or so ago and it has gotten worse since then.

Well it’s not a 10, but I have already bought another one. Lol

Don't worry if you paid too much. We've all been there, done that. Sometimes you make a good deal, sometimes not. It'll average out, if you're lucky.

Buying high and selling low is a rite of passage that most people never get through

On most stuff I do a little better than breaking even . But I did take a decent hit when I got into the Contemporary Longrifle thing , my saving grace was in the fact that all three of them were bought with profit from other sales .