Trying to get more information on my Parker
 

Serial number is N161879

Pictures are below. My father recently passed away, and left me with this shotgun. I'm just trying to get a handle on its history and how much it could potentially be worth.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yg0r8e6hss...arkerbros1.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jz6zpmtlxe...arkerbros2.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1offvu59u0...arkerbros3.jpg

Thanks in advance!

It appears to be a very nice DH grade 20ga 28"bbls with a capped pistol grip stock. The barrels appear to be re-blued. Very nice gun! I defer on value to others more knowledgeable than me.

161879 should be a D grade 20 gauge with 28 inch titanic steel barrels

for the history on a D grade you should get a research letter

Sorry about your father , Book has your gun listed as a grade 3 (DH) 20 gauge with 28 " barrels (Titanic Steel) Very nice looking gun

Wow thanks for the quick replies! Any ballpark estimate on value? Are we talking around 500? 1000? 2000?

$500 ?? -- only if your taking it as a down payment :)

first - before the ball gets rolling - we get "whats it worth" requests that turn into offers to sell. Selling on this site is limited to the PGCA members only area.

you have a nice bit of family history there, the research letter will tell you where it went from the factory and maybe if it was ever serviced.

take a look at the auction sites like guninternational or gunbroker to see what similar guns are selling for

conditon is almost everything for value - what are the bores like and what is the frame size ( there will be a number -a '0' - on the barrel lug - the back "hook" that attaches the barrels to the frame.)

Before someone tries to hood-wink you, unless there are major problems with the gun is worth well north of the numbers you threw out there. Screws on the left of the receiver and floorplate do not appear to have been "buggered"; no case colors but the engraving really pops; appears to be a skeleton BP; does not appear to have excessive drop, wear looks honest...what's not to like. Small frame D-grades with long barrels are highly coveted. Spend the $ and order a research letter if only for curiosity.

If you like to hunt or shoot at all, give this gun a try before deciding to sell it. You may find out why we all here like them so much.

Thanks for the info. I'm trying to figure out the best way/place to sell some of these guns I received from my father. They're pretty valuable guns from what I can tell. In addition to the Parker Bros, I have a Winchester Model 12 28 gauge made in 1937 (first year they were made). I also have a Three Barrel Gun Co. older shotgun that seems to be worth a decent amount. As I am not really into collecting guns, I'd rather sell the older ones and keep the newer ones for hunting/skeet shooting. I've checked out gunbroker.com, but almost all of the guns have zero bids with only hours remaining. Do you have any other suggestions that would be easy for someone like me to sell these guns and not get ripped off?

It has real Monetary value, but more importantly to you, it's value is that your dad left it to you.

Oh definitely. He left me quite a few guns, and I am only interested in selling a couple of them. These older/collector types would just sit in the gun case, and as I am not really into gun collecting, I'd rather use the newer ones that I personally like better.

If I were you, that Parker is one I would keep! Won't eat anything in the gun case, and will only grow in value.:envy::)

The 28 gauge M12 is worth a bunch! I, for one would be interested in it. Where do you live? It may be worth taking the guns you want to sell to a reputable dealer, and let him handle the sale for you.

Brandon, please keep in mind that the sale of firearms on this forum is a privilege extended only to PGCA Members, therefor, you cannot sell a gun here unless and until you become a PGCA Member. The price for an annual membership is $40 and you can join from our home page.

That being said - if you are serious about selling the 20 ga. DH you would be cheating yourself if you let it go for less than $5K.... provided it has no serious issues. I am reluctant to give values on guns here for obvious reasons and I won't do it in this case either but I think it is necessary to establish a minimum base price so that you are not taken advantage of.

Remember, you can't sell it here.

Brandon, I second what Dean said and would add that the 28 gauge model12 should bring you between $3000 and $5000, depending on condition. I, personally, would not take either gun to a gun dealer and ask for an offer. In most cases you would receive horribly low ball offers.

You will sell/keep some of your Dad's guns. The criteria you set was keep the newer ones for use and sell the older/collector guns. IF you need the money that is understandable. IF you are a hunter, consider this. Many of the older guns are now valuable collector pieces BECAUSE they proved themselves admirably in the field decade after decade. IF they are sound guns, they will continue to provide a field experience you just don't get with some new plastic camo gun. I would experience your Dad's guns in the field as my first step in deciding who stays and who goes. My oldest gun is from 1878 and it still brings game to the table. As for selling the Parker, if that's what has to be, join this forum. Best $$ you will spend. You definitely won't get ripped off here because the folks know these guns, appreciate these guns and will pay fair price for these guns. I would sell my own guns before I would ever sell my Dad's guns but I'm too sentimental that way I guess. Good luck to you.
Jack

Perhaps I should amend my post to say "Consign your gun to a reputable dealer", I wouldn't sell it outright. You might investigate folks like Jaqua's (jaquas.com) They will take something like 15-20% of the sale price, but the gun is receiving national exposure.