Parker 28 gauge photos - original (I believe)
 

A while ago, I was asked by friends to post photos of my 28 gauge on this site. I'm not very good with technology, so it may take me a few tries. I recently submitted a request for a PGCA research letter and expect to be told that it's a vulcan steel hammerless VH manufactured in 1917. Its been in my family since it was purchased new and has been my occasional shooter for 50 years. I don't really know how to evaluate condition or value, but for starters, 28" barrels shine from end to end, the gun locks up tight and it's especially fun to hunt with. On the other hand, I've never been able to locate any bluing and the stock had a small split that was expertly repaired about ten years ago. The finish is worn, though I believe it's original. Perhaps another member could help me figure out how to more accurately evaluate and describe this gun. Thanks for your thoughts and information.

Well, if you were thinking of freshening it up you would lose all evidence of it having been lovingly used by family members for these 99 years.




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is the weight of the barrels marked 2-4...if it is this is the lightest weight barrels i have seen marked as such...charlie

Thank you, Charlie. The stamp isn't perfect, but it looks like 2-2 to me.

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;186497]Well, if you were thinking of freshening it up you would lose all evidence of it having been lovingly used by family members for these 99 years.

Thank you for the gentle advice, Dean. I suppose if an old gun had been previously altered or damaged, "refreshing" it would be ok. Anyhow, I wouldn't know where to start and it's good like it is. What do you make of Charlie's comment about the weight of the barrels? The lightness of this gun is part of what makes it so nice to hunt with.

Wayne: Very nice family gun and a 28ga WOW! It appears to be a well used example in mostly original condition. The butt stock appears to have been cleaned with finish added (maybe when the crack was repaired). The reason I say that is the butt stock is light in color and the checkering has been filled with finish. If you look at the checkering and finish on the forend that appears original. A few of the screw heads are out of time and the slots damaged (this indicates the gun has been taken apart by a unqualified person). The action was never blued it was case colored. Look at the action in a protected area and you should be able to see some of the original case color (blue and straw colored), the action as new had the same finish. I agree with others on proceeding with caution with respect to restoration. If it was my gun I would have a Parker craftsman refinish the butt stock and re-cut the checkering. I would also have the screw slots repaired and the screws re-timed. Then just shoot it and passit on to a family member. It should be good to go for another 100 years.

For 28" barrels that 2 lbs., 2 oz. is Very light.





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wayne these are the lightest weight stamped barrels that i have noticed suched marked as yours is...i try to take notice of the heaviest and lightest weight barrels on parkers just a thing of mine i guess....charlie

What do the barrels weigh now, after finishing?

Thank you so much, Charlie. It's nice to know that someone keeps up with this detail. I would have never noticed the comparison, of course, except that it's great to have a light gun in the woods when a grouse or woodcock pops up. From a completely different pursuit, this reminds me of Confederate and other envelope collectors who pay close attention to the earliest and latest dates that stamps and other markings appear on covers. It always adds a little to the value to have the earliest known markings.