1903 PARKER 16 GA O FRAME
 

I would like to apologize up front for the “new guy” question, as you have probably been asked this a thousand times. I am not new to doubles, but new to parkers. I have decided that I want a VH grade 16 gauge original gun with a O frame. Ideally I would like 28” barrels, but would settle for 26” in the right gun. I have done my “due diligence” in searching the Blue Book of gun values for the configuration, and have searched the gun auctions and selling sites to try and find some “comps” of what the real world price should be for this type of gun, with condition being the “wild card” of course. I have also searched this site, as well as others for information of original configurations on these guns, and how to at least identify frame size. Now comes the question. I have located a 1903 VH 16 gauge with 26" Vulcan steel uncut barrels choked Improved cylinder x Full in a O frame and 2 ¾” chambers. It has about three "buggered" screws.LOP is 14” to original hard dogs head butt plate. It has a semi-pistol grip style stock. The gun looks to be in at least 50 to 60% original condition. The seller states that the gun is all original. I set the percentage estimate based on photographs provided by the seller. Photos show that all numbers match, the O frame mark is correct, and the V grade proof is also correct. My question is based more on originality of the gun than the price to be paid for it. Do I need to look at anything else to try and determine that this is an originally configured gun? Or anything else that I need to look out for, or specific questions to ask the seller? I know determining the originality of the finish is impossible to do based on description so I am not referring to finish. And the price is $3500. Thanks

Post the serial number and we'll look in the Parker Id book, if it's in there It'll give some information about how it left the factory. Pictures would be a great help if you want a price guess. If it's as you describe the price seems fair.
Chris

Here are some pictures. I am trying to get the serial #.

Looking at the pictures the gun looks like it's priced fairly if it is original and I would say it's priced on the low side. Eric

I agree with Eric, looks like a good buy.

In the third picture the barrels dont look to mate the top ofthe frame right ,looks alittle low. Maybe just the picture.

Stephen Hodges,

I want to personally thank you for being a "new guy" who has joined the Parker Gun Collector's Association. That to me says something very positive about your character. Heck, I'd lay odds that you may even be (present or past) a Marine or other service member. :)

Respectfully,
Mark

I'd have the seller post pictures of the serial number on the water table and the serial number on the side of the barrel lug. The barrels and the top of the breach balls should be even. Post pictures of the serial numbers here if you can.

To play Devil's Advocate, I would say that the barrels should be even across the top of the breech balls, not like the pictures. To be honest, the pictures may be distorted. For $3500, the wall thickness should be measured. On a normal 0 frame 16, it should be ???. On any American made gun you would pay that price for, it should be at least .030. The bores should be within a couple of thousandths of .665.

Let me just say thanks for all the PGCA Member replies. If a PGCA member has a parker for sale that is similar to this gun, I would be more than glad to consider purchasing it. To me their is some comfort in dealing with a PGCA member.