Frame question.
 

What is the meaning of the smaller number sometimes seen on the barrels next to the frame size number?

Unless it is the gauge, we don’t know.





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The top picture is a GH 12ga on a 1 frame. The bottom picture is a DH 16ga on a 0 frame. One has a small 0 in front of the frame size, the other has a small 8 in the same location. Both barrel sets match the factory letters.

I don't believe anyone has come up with a good solution to this riddle. I think the most common extra figure on the rear lug is a zero added to the #2 on a #2 frame gun. Don't know what that's all about.

Art, that GH 12ga has killer damascus pattern!

Here are some pix of the GH, its letter and a description of the three year restoration. I have a copy of the work done in 2015 to 2018 which was around $4500 plus the wood blank. This is one of only three Damascus GH's made with 25" barrels, according to the records. They rebuilt it right down to the twin white beads. According to the owner info, it has never been fired since the rebuild. (That will be corrected.)

I will also show a few pix of the 16 ga DH. It too was rebuilt but by Brad Belchelder. I have already shot this gun with RST's and it patterns absolutely perfectly.

I should mention that these are the first Parkers I have owned. My double collecting has always leaned toward Ithaca and Fox. I bought these two guns and a 1936 Beretta S2 which had been completely redone all in a two week period. The Beretta had always been one of my bucket list guns and these two just really pulled at me. I don't generally buy for investment, just what I really like. That said, I try to buy for value, if that makes any sense. I don't buy to make money but I hate losing it. Since these were sold on a public auction site, I doubt there is much privacy, so I don't mind saying I paid $3425 for the GH and $3775 for the DH. Not wanting an appraisal, but do these prices seem in line with the market. I am just trying to learn about the brand and playing field.

Just to finish the series, here is a picture of the S2; 1936 date, Double triggers, light Krupp game barrels, solid rib, ejectors and custom gold work and blueing by Bill Mains. No idea on the stock work. This gun actually feels like something alive in your hands and is as mechanically precise as any shotgun I have ever seen.

Those Parker prices are in line with what I would have paid. They are both lovely guns!!!