You've got some fine shootin' irons. Believe it is Knickerbocker- as in the second series Ithaca SBT's and also the old family brewing Co. (Genesse Ale) of which Bob Wehle was a family member- he of Pointer bird dog fame.
I am a "non-collector", after reading Mr. Calibi's book on Ernest Hemingway's guns over the years, I find a few common threads to my "working arsenal" to that of the late "Don Ernesto" First off, it has to shoot reliably, and to where I am looking/pointing- proper fit, balance. The wear with care or other "cosmetic items" not important, fit, balance, trigger pulls, and function come first. I do a lot of rifle, handgun and shotgun shooting year around (pretty much) but am not a paper puncher with the rifles and handguns, nor a clays man with the "escopetas" I shoot varmints, and shotguns for crows and barn pigeons for my practice work.
The late Mike McIntosh talked about a friend who back around 1988 (Best Guns) bought a 12 VH Parker- in good shooting order, and spent $1500 having it "restored' and when he sold it, got back his initial purchase price plus about 15% of the restoration cost--
Back in 2007 when the double gun market was a bit different, over 6 months I bought a: 1929 VH 12 30" No 1& 1/2 frame, restored by Turnbull- and a LC Smith O grade 12 30" R frame, also restored by Turnbull. Both guns were bought privately, and the sellers had the documents from Turnbull Restorations to verify it- I couldn't stand to shoot them- too pristine, compared to my older pre-1913 graded Elsies and my project GHE 12- so I sold them both and doubled my money. I doubt very seriously if i could expect to do that again in today's market-
Glad you like the Model 12's as do I. I grew up shooting them- have 7 right now- 5 in 12 (two are 3" Duck models) a 20 field and a 20 skeet. Never have owned a M42 however-
Anyway, let your wallet be your guide, but join the PGCA and ask all the questions about Parkers you like- we have some members that know Parkers like the Pope knows his way around the Vatican..
