Hello from Maine

Lucas Kostenbader · 02-19-2022, 03:38 PM

Hello, just recently came into possession of a 1926 parker brothers trojan 20ga that was part of a lot I had purchased from a friend. He didn't know much about it other than it was originally his great uncles and was then passed down to his father. He said his father used it a handfull of times before he was sent to Vietnam and after returning had lost interest in firearms altogether. Friend said it had sat in a gun cabnet in the basement ever since until just this past summer when his father passed and he came into possession of it. It appears to be completely functional and everything looks to be in working order. Does have some cosmetic issue, the finish on one side of the stock has bubbled up from what I am assume is moisture getting into the wood from sitting in a hand dug basement for 50 years. Surprisingly I didn't find any rust on the barrel or receiver so it looks like he had oiled everything before its storage. Not sure if the condition is to the point where it wouldn't significantly harm the value if I had the stock refinished and had the gun cleaned properly. Not really sure what the value would be, a local gun shop told my friend it was worth around $500 and that's what he based his value on when he sold it to me. Also other than the year and the fact it says trojan on the barrel I'm not really sure about any other specifications on the gun. I'll attach some pictures and would love to learn more information on this gun. I intend to use it at my family's yearly clay pigeon shoot we do every summer and possibly up north for autumn partridge season to replace my model 24 winchester which is in need of a restoration. Looking forward to learning more about these guns.

Lucas Kostenbader · 02-19-2022, 03:42 PM

More pictures

Lucas Kostenbader · 02-19-2022, 03:49 PM

Bore pictures

Harold Pickens · 02-19-2022, 04:06 PM

Welcome Lucas, nice Trojan, esp. since it is a 20. $500 is a way low value on that gun ,in todays market, would probably bring $1500+--and some will think thats low. Will be a great lil partridge gun for your fall trip to Maine, how long are the barrels?

Lucas Kostenbader · 02-19-2022, 04:25 PM

28", I didn't realize that the values go that high for these trojan models. If that's the case probably should just have a good cleaning done at a reputable gunsmith and just leave the stock as is.

Harold Pickens · 02-19-2022, 05:22 PM

I think that is a good idea, cograts.
28", probably Mod/Full

John Knobelsdorf II · 02-19-2022, 06:45 PM

The PGCA Serial Number Database indicates there are surviving Parker Factory records for your gun.

When you have done the process for membership, you are a current PGCA Member and registered on the Forum as such go here for the letter:

http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=15747

Until someone is a PGCA Member, or would like to mail your letter request through the Postal Service go here:

http://parkerguns.org/ResearchLetter...er_Request.pdf

Lucas Kostenbader · 02-20-2022, 10:30 AM

So from a quick search threw the technical info on this page this is what I've found our (anyone can chime in if I have my info wrong)

1926 production year
Trojan steel barrels
OV grade (didn't see an option for OV but I assume it's what they used for the trojans models?)
Frame size 0
I believe it uses an extractor rather than ejector
Pistol grip with no cap
Splinter style forend type

Submitting my letter request later today to see what sort of information they may have on this particular gun.

Dean Romig · 02-20-2022, 01:54 PM

Sounds about right for a 20 gauge Trojan. Unfortunately there is scant information for a letter on a Trojan other than what you already know.

Oddly OV is the stamp Parker Bros. Used on the right barrel flat in the spot for barrel steel and on the water table too…. And in the factory records the Trojan was recorded with a “J” but we have to date found no explanation of what those letters mean.

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