Can someone please look up a serial number

Matt Valinsky · 07-20-2013, 09:25 PM

Number 144161. 16 ga. The barrels measured 28 inches. But, lines on the rib ran completely to the end of the rib, but, instead of being a blank space as one would expect at the end, the lines looked as if they had been pressed down. Otherwise a sweet little 16. The owner wouldn't allow me to break the gun down but I think it might have been on a "0" frame.

Two other Parkers of interest, 16 ga. VH with 32 inch barrels and looked to be on a 1-1/2 frame. A 16 ga. the owner said a "G" model, 28 inch Damascus barrels. This gun had been fitted with a single trigger with the barrel selector up by the tang. Therewas also a brass pin thru the wrist. Unfortunately the serial numbers of both these guns are written a piece of paper up at the show. Again, I was not allowed to break the guns down unless I had money on the barrel head.

Any help on the first would be appreciated. Thanks

OH Osthaus · 07-20-2013, 09:43 PM

according to the book 144161 has 28" barrels

PT, capped pistol grip stock, no extras, 16ga

B. Dudley · 07-20-2013, 09:43 PM

That serial number is in the serialization book. It is listed as a Twist steel barreled 16g. 28" barrels. Capped pistol grip. No additional options.

If you couldn't break the gun down, you should have asked the seller to break it down for you. If he would still not, then keep walking and save your money for another seller.

Matt Valinsky · 07-20-2013, 09:48 PM

Does it give the grade? The owner said it was a "P" grade gun. Might it also give the frame size?

OH Osthaus · 07-20-2013, 10:26 PM

the book doesn't give the frame size; PT is P with twist barrels

and if no one, you or the owner, can take the gun down, I would be a little concerned

Matt Valinsky · 07-20-2013, 10:48 PM

Thanks Rick. I think part of the problem, I hit both these tables when they were extremely busy. I believe if it had been less busy the first guy with the P grade might have been more helpful.

Of course the other problem I have is being very new in the realm of Parker, knowing what a fair price might be is a bit of a challenge.

B. Dudley · 07-21-2013, 10:12 AM

Matt,
Take the time to do a bit of research or an analysis of what Parkers are selling for over a couple month period. Stay on top of forum sales, as well as gunbroker auctions to see what guns are selling for. Also look at asking prices as compared to condition.

PH and GH Parkers are the most common Damascus guns on the market and some very nice ones can be had. If Damascus does not scare you off, then you can get a very nice gun for a lot less money than a fluid steel.

You asked a good question regarding the barrel length on that 16g. The rib mating running off the end is a sign to proceed cautiously. Especially if the price is higher. This particular one checked out as proof that some original guns were made that way.

Bill Murphy · 07-21-2013, 02:41 PM

The matting is definitely a danger sign. Once you determine the length is right, you must continue to determine that the barrels on the gun actually came on the gun. A PH Grade Twist 16 is a serious collector gun if in high condition. The single trigger on the 16 you were looking at is an Infallible Trigger made by the Lancaster Single Trigger Company of Lancaster, PA. It was not installed by Parker Brothers, but is generally a reliable trigger.

Matt Valinsky · 07-21-2013, 10:59 PM

Thanks for the comments folks. I have and continue to check the different auction sites to determine price points on Parkers. There are a couple questions that keep coming to mind when I look at those sites. One, when the owner talks about condition how really can it be confirmed? Like I have seen so many times on this forum when pictures are presented on a gun in regards to value and condition, many of the responders say to give an accurate appraisal, they would need to have the gun in hand. This is from folks that have years of serious experience looking at and handling these guns. My point being, I'm am in seriously deep water when it comes to understanding what the "industry standard" might be for determining the levels of condition. I do feel pretty certain I can identify a "dog" when i see one, condition wise that is.

Secondly, I'm the only person I know locally that has an interest in Parkers, so how does one determine what a particular gun is really worth for a particular condition. Agaign, is that an other "indusrty standard"? I realize a gun is worth what an individual whats to pay but there is also the case of getting upside down in a deal and thats not so good. Again it boils down to knowing what your doing. Right now I'm far from knowing what I'm doing.

So, I'll continue to read this forum to glean information and knowledge from folks who have been doing this for awhile. I'll watch the classified forum to understand values and perhaps one day I'll up grade from my Trojans. I'm not a collector but I sure do like shooting these things.

charlie cleveland · 07-22-2013, 11:37 AM

matt my advise is watch gunbroker auctions very closely on the guns that sell not just the ones that have a price put on them... in my case of buying a gun it usally depended on how much cash i had to spend..i ve never given to much for anything i liked and wanted and could afford...i see what you mean about a noivice buying a gun espically these old doubles...so if you watch the auctions you will learn and when you find a gun thats a high grade and in good shape and want it get the boys opinions here...but a shooter back your own judgement...you ll do fine... charlie