First Parker (Pic's) - Opinion on Condition and value
 

I am a new Parker owner. This is my first Parker (also first American SxS). I have a few British SxS but could never understand the mystic of Parkers. This is the first Parker I have handled and if a low grade Parker handles like this, I can understand why every Parker owner loves their guns.

Every thing I know about Parker's have been learned over the past 2 weeks on this forum. This a a great forum and thanks to every one who shares valuable information and pictures on this forum.

I know enough to identify the grade, gauge, barrel type etc. but need help to understand the condition and value. Any help will be highly appreciated.

Bores are excellent with no rust or pitting. Lock up is very very tight.

Gauge : 16
Grade : GH
Frame : 0
Barrel : 28" Damascus
Year : 1899

Also the barrel weight is 3 1, Is it a reason for concern as I have seen that even most 20ga are heavier?

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Herbert

Herbert,

That looks like an unmolested G Grade! I won't speak to monetary value but you should treasure it as a rare piece of art from days gone by.

On the same size frame barrels of a larger bore and same length should weight slightly less than barrels with smaller bores. The barrel breach/chamber areas contain more metal on smaller bores because the chamber areas will be thicker on smaller bores.

The only viable method to determine barrel safety is to measure the barrel thickness from muzzle to breach in all available areas. Obviously the chamber areas need to be thicker than the muzzle. If in doubt take it to an experianced double gunsmith for inspection.

Mark

Nice find!

Thanks Mark & Dean.

Mark - I took the gun to Nick Makinson (the Canadian double rifle maker) and he measured the bores for me. He said the barrel thickness was 33 & 34.

Nick has also written lot of articles for the DGJ during the early years.

Herbert

Herbert, That is a great first Parker. It would also be a great 2nd, 3rd,.......
Dave

I am green with envy..wonderfull find !!

Bill

Herbert, great looking Parker. Congrats:p

Your first Parker is in very nice original condition showing use, of course, but also showing that it was well cared-for all of these 120 years. Congratulations.

A 16GA 0 frame and Damascuss to boot...for your first Parker you have done well. Now the sickness begins:cheers:

A lovely GH 16 on an 0 frame in pretty much unaltered condition is a very marketable gun. The only question I have from the pics is the finish on the buttstock. Would have to see it up close but it might not be the original french polish, or may have been cleaned up and touched up. Looks too fresh and without blemish to match the wear on the receiver. Just a hunch, can't tell for certain. That being said, I have seen similar guns but not quite as nice go for $2200 to $3500 over the past couple of years. Some ask a lot more but the guns don't move. JMHO.