As a relatively new collector I have paid retail prices on some nice Parkers with no regrets, though I might look for better prices now. I have also found some great deals on shooter quality Parker 10s and 12s on the auction sites in Grades 0-2. I don’t see these guns appreciating much or at all, but they have brought me a lot of joy and I felt good about saving a few. In fact, it has been hard lately not to buy some of the shooter quality hammer guns at recent prices!
It does seem that the 16 gauge and smaller Parkers are commanding higher prices as has been previously mentioned. Perhaps not as high as 5 – 10 years ago, but there is still premium for these guns. I don’t think I have ever seen an original 28 gauge VH for under 10k (which makes it unattainable for me).
So I agree there are some good deals out there now, but it seems highly desirable guns in both gauge and grade are at level I am not at…yet. I am going to focus more on quality this year. I have very nice Parkers I can shoot while I am saving…
Along the same lines, I have also bought some nice antique percussion shotguns and rifles over that last year or two that are works of art as well as pieces of history. And I shoot those as well. The market on antique muzzleloaders has really dropped and I have picked up some nice guns. I would love to find a percussion Purdey shotgun or other top maker, but that is another wish list...
It seems to be a time to buy original lower grade guns that are all there(not projects) and enjoy shooting some nice Parkers…
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