A 1926 Parker VH - First Parker

Michael Fraley · 03-21-2025, 09:03 AM

After shooting a friends VH on a quail hunt a little over a year ago I have been looking for a Parker Brothers shotgun of my own. I finally pulled the trigger a couple weeks back. My objective was to pick up a clean, reasonably priced 12 bore field gun that I can enjoy for shooting sporting clays and quail here in the southeast. Here are a couple of photos of my first Parker Brothers.

According to the Parker Gun Research Letter serial #219459 was originally manufactured as a 12 bore VH on 1.5" frame, with 30" barrels and 2.5" chambers in the year 1926. This is how the shotgun is currently configured. The barrels are choked just under Full in both barrels.

However, the gun may have been refinished or restocked at some time as it does not have an inlaid shield on the bottom of the stock. It also does not have a spur on the dogs head butt plate butt plate. However, I have read that Parker stopped using spurred butt plates on the stocks in the mid 20's. Otherwise the stock is extremely well fitting and is shaped as original. Since I purchased the shotgun as a shooter not as a collectible this does not bother me.

If anyone out there has any thoughts, additional information or history on this shotgun it would be greatly appreciated.

Michael Fraley · 03-21-2025, 09:07 AM

Here are some additional photos.

Michael Fraley · 03-21-2025, 09:09 AM

And a couple more.

24 grams · 03-21-2025, 09:21 AM

If it was restocked professionally to modern dimensions, it’s a bonus, as far as I’m concerned.
Enjoy!

BRDHNTR · 03-21-2025, 01:56 PM

yes, enjoy it

Tennessee Dave · 03-21-2025, 07:20 PM

I am currently looking for one like that myself. Nice gun you have there.

Michael Fraley · 03-22-2025, 06:24 AM

I have a handful of RST shells and I am headed to the pattern this one later today.

Mike of the Mountain · 03-22-2025, 10:58 AM

I suggest having someone with a proper measuring device check those chambers. I'd be surprised if they were 2 1/2" and not 2 5/8".

Michael Fraley · 03-22-2025, 12:10 PM

I have a chamber gauge and they are in fact 2 1/2”. Research Letter states the same.

Brush Buster · 03-22-2025, 12:43 PM

Congratulations Michael !!!!! Very nice first Parker , as those before have said Shoot it and Enjoy it !