Questions from a new member

[Russellberger]

Good morning all. I’ve been in awe of the collective knowledge here and need to ask some questions. I have a 12ga made in 1900. I’ve read so much on the forums and the collectors website but in looking to see what I have, there is some conflicting information on features across models and grades with respect to my shotgun.

Firstly, I don’t know what original butt pad was present. That’s been clearly changed. Also, the stock looks too glossy to be original, however, I can’t tell if it’s been refinished.

I’m looking to see if anyone can identify the grade or any other distinguishing characteristics?
Also, how would one value this shotgun? Do you have a value in mind based on the photos?

I’m filling out the research letter form to send in this week.


Thanks so much in advance.

[Harold Pickens]

Beautiful A grade, year recoil pad is an addition

[Dean Hanson]

Nice A grade 12 w/a complete refinish. Cyanide case coloring is the main tell tale factor. Also appears you might be missing the forend latch release. Wouldn't take much to get the gun shootable. Lastly, ejectors can add some value.

[Researcher]

First thing I note is that those barrels are much later than the frame. The rib legend CT, U.S.A. began about WW-I time frame.

According to the Grade 6 listing in The Parker Story, 100370 began life as a D6 12-gauge 30-inch with no extras. So, it was a Damascus barrel, double trigger, plain extractor, slim forearm gun, but a righteous Quality AH. From a catalog at the time 100370 was new --

Quality AH, Blue Ink Catalog.jpeg

[edgarspencer]

The research letter will likely tell you that the gun was returned Parker Brothers to have the steel barrels fitted, along with the ejectors. The Beaver tail Fore end, and recoil pad was probably not done by Parker. The splinter fore end latch was swapped over to the Beaver Tail fore end.
What I find interesting is the later style gold grip cap. I believe in 1900, the gun would still have had the retaining screw through the center of the cap.

[Bill Murphy]

The Acme Steel rib marking looks off center. The choke markings are not factory. Get a letter to put some of the questions to rest, maybe.