Would like opinion on value

[DKNC]

I recently receive a Parkers Bros. Makers Meriden CT USA Trojan Steel 12 gauge hammerless side by side shotgun from an elderly family member that wants me to keep it safe after a recent break-in at their home. They also asked me to help them determine the value of the firearm. It was used for hunting in its early years but more recently has been prop up behind a closet door for many years. I would like opinions on its value from members on this site before I take it to get appraised. The serial number on all of the parts is 199859. Thank you in advance.

[John Knobelsdorf II]

What’s the length of the barrels of this time?

For valuation, the Blue Book of Firearms is a good source when you are telling an insurer what coverage you want. See also the on-line gun sales sites.

[DKNC]

The barrel is 28 inches long.

[edgarspencer]

Your gun appears to be in relatively poor condition. I wouldn't put a value of more than $3-500 on it.

[Bill Murphy]

With the severe pitting on the barrels, I would not value it over $300. Cracking in the wood obvious at the top tang area, would devalue it even more.

[Dean Romig]

I would think it is more split than cracked.

And something happened to those barrels - the keels are missing and there are voids where they should be...

Okay, I see now - the barrels have been cut back from their original 30 inches.





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[DKNC]

Thank you all for your opinions. The wood is solid everywhere with no cracks or splits anywhere. There is a groove on both sides of the stock which appears to be by design. I posted a couple more picture to provide clearer images of the stock. The stain is very worn as the gun was used in the past for hunting. Wasn't aware that barrels had been cut down so that's good to know.

So, given the lower than expected evaluations, would it be safe to have it cleaned and professionally restored? I have not priced restoration cost so don't know if it will increase the gun's value enough to offset the expense.

Thanks in advance again for any thoughts or guidance regarding my next move.

[Dean Romig]

Any money you put into restoration will never be recovered...





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[Bill Murphy]

Five hundred dollars in restoration on this gun will only get it to the $300 level, where it is now. The gun has been abused and neglected beyond repair.

[DKNC]

Wow! I came to and joined this site because it has a reputation for knowledge on this brand. I suspect there are some true gun enthusiasts here that have expertise in accessing the value of Parker Bros merchandise; not as they would necessarily offer for it, but also what it is worth based on all things considered, like the age, condition, and functionality. So far, all comments I am hearing in these assessments are based solely on the cosmetic condition. This shotgun was made in 1922 so it is 100 years old and still functions with perfect reliability. I may be a novice but I tend to think those attributes should weigh in more than I am hearing here. The shotgun was purchased in 1922 to be a hunting tool to feed a family, not as an investment item to be put in a display case for future sale. The abuse comment is a bit harsh and without merit, but I do respect your opinion, and agree it may have been neglected as in left in a corner to age without care. Again, I am new to this so I do thank you all for your professional opinions.