Should I re-blue 1922 Parker CHE?
 

I have a 1922 Parker 12 gauge that is overall in good condition that at some point I will want to move on. I believe it needs to be re-blued but I have read that this should not be done as it may decrease the value of the gun. This gun has definitely been used, at the same time it has been taken care of. If it was in regular use it would probably have been re-blued by now. I have had the specifications done by the Parker Gun Collectors Association and am really unsure of its current value. So my main question is: how can I tell if having the barrels re-blued would decrease the value of this shotgun?

Robert

If you are going to sell the gun, let the next owner make the decision whether to re-blue.

I agree with Ed.

Hard to tell from your photo, it I looks like the bluing is not all that bad. It really more depends on if the barrels NEED to be blued. And Fidel on the selling part.

There is NO good reason on Earth to touch that gun, as far as I can tell. A large portion of its present value rests in its age and patina... and re=bluing the barrels for the sake of perceived cosmetic enhancement will destroy that value.
It's your gun (at least temporarily), but I wouldn't touch it!

Best, Kensal

I agree and what in sam hell is fidel?

Fidelity = to remain true to something or someone.

An infidel is a turncoat.

Doing so is no guarantee of increasing its value - and may possibly decrease the value. Let it stand on its own merit just as it is.

Fidel as in Castro. I think Kensal meant to say fiddle as in fiddle with. I concur don't touch that gun as it is more valuable in it's current condition.

Well, looks like a consensus. Thanks for all opinions.

this is the point were you have to deside if your trying to sell your gun or become a collector. a c grade parker is a wonderful gun. i collect,and i dont mind spending the money to have certain guns returned to a new type condition. when done correctly they are beautiful. when done poorly they may look ok to the non collector, but the collector is the person who is paying a fair price for a original gun.join the pga and take pride in owning a rare piece of american history.

I've attached a few more photos of the shotgun, cannot get an accurate picture of the barrels.

Looks like a well loved classy C grade. Assuming the barrels are in the same level of patina as the receiver, they cant be horrible.
Better pictures may prove me a wrong.

Join the PGCA.
I have a CHE just like that and I wouldnt touch it.

No, the barrels are not horrible. Though they do have what I would call some pitting. I will attempt to take some close-ups of the barrels from different angles.

Robert leave it alone, it's great just as is.

If its not broke dont fix it !

Robert, I agree with Paul Stafford's reply above to you. If you think you will sell the gun, then it's best not to do any restoration. If you're going to use it as a shooter, not think you'll ever sell it, and are unhappy with its appearance, then you might consider a level of restoration but if you go down this road, make sure its done by a professional who is experienced and qualified with Parker restorations and will spruce it up in a manner consistent with the period of manufacture. There are a number of professionals who participate in this forum who are eminently qualified to consult with you and advise accordingly as well as perform work. Just think it through thoroughly before you decide to do anything or nothing at all. Good luck, you have a nice piece of American history.

By the Serial number, it looks like this CHE might have spent some time with Invincible No. 200,000 on its way through the factory.

I have a GH that was in about that condition when I got it. I had checkering redone and the rest is just "Honest Use". I think it looks wonderful and I'm in tune with the gun's past when I use it.
(Matter of fact I got the GH from B. Dudley) . Great gun!