Questions about a Parker VH Vulcan 12 ga

[LeonE]

Hello, I'm a newbie, but have been reading many discussion threads on this forum for awhile. I have some questions about a Parker that I currently own, and hope some of you may be able to help. Here are the specs that I was able to identify:

12 ga Parker VH Vulcan steel made in 1906
DT with extractors
LOP: 14 1/4" - front trigger, 13 5/16" - back trigger
Frame: 1 1/2
Barrels: 28 3/8"
Chamber: 2 3/4"
Chokes: Left Barrel - Mod, Right Barrel - IC
Pictures can be seen --> http://s1145.beta.photobucket.com/us...20Brother%20VH

My questions are:
1. The barrels were measured at 28 3/8", which is a bit strange to me. I've read the FAQ section about identifying cut barrels and some members have encountered "odd" factory barrel lengths as well. My concern is that the barrels touch at the muzzle end and the keels have visible triangular metal filler strips without any visible evidence of tampering or soldering. Unfortunately, I don't have any tools to measure the bore diameter & length of chokes, but I had a gunsmith examined the gun and he said that barrels have not been cut. What do you think? Does 28 3/8" seem like an "odd" length for a Parker VH?

2. The gun shoots great and the mechanics are in great shape; however, there some cosmetic issues. The toe of the stock has some wood chipped off, and the original Parker butt plate is broken. I have purchased a "aftermarket" butt plate from Connecticut Shotgun Co almost 2 years ago, but have not tried to mess or install it. Therefore, I'm wondering if they are a critical factor that greatly depreciates its overall value, and what would you do, would you fix these issues (hone down the toe/new butt plate/modern recoil pad) or leave it as is?

3. Based on the pictures provided, what do you think this gun might be worth today? My concern is that Parker guns have a wide range of values, and I'm not an expert here, so I'd like to know the estimated value that people would be willing to pay for this gun given its current condition as is.

Lastly, I understand I could purchase a research letter and question #1 would be answered easily that way, but I'd still like to know your opinion based on your knowledge and experience. In advance, thank you very much.