New to the Parker World and need expert opinion

Jesse Warren · 10-26-2013, 11:48 AM

Hey guys,
Let me start off by saying this is a really great forum and I enjoy reading the post as each of y'all weigh in. I recently purchased a collection of guns to get a few choice pieces ( I collect 1911's and HAD to have the Singer and Union Switch 1911's in the collection (; ). Anyway there were some nice shotguns in the group including Greeners, L.C. Smiths, Lefevers, and one old Parker. I know absolutely nothing about Parkers and was tempted to immediately trade it away but the more I looked it over the more intrigued I was. My never having owned one was a bit ironic especially considering where I live ( Thomasville, Georgia...the land of quail plantations and site of most of the famous Eisenhower hunting pictures).
Anyway, I would appreciate any opinion or suggestions on this particular firearm. I do know that the bores are mostly (95%) shiny with a few small area of pitting just proximal to the receiver, the barrels measure 28 inches, the wood is nice with no cracks but covered in some type of varnish, the checkering is worn to the touch but still visible throughout and the metal has turned a nice plum color. Overall its a beautiful firearm. I would be interested in your thoughts on collectibility, value and if any type of preservation/restoration is warranted.
Thank you in advance,
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Jesse Warren · 10-26-2013, 11:50 AM

more picture

Jesse Warren · 10-26-2013, 11:53 AM

more pictures

Harry Collins · 10-26-2013, 11:55 AM

Looks like a nice GH from 1901. It is not in the book. On the top rib there is a description of the type of steel. Please tell us what it is.

Harry

Harry Collins · 10-26-2013, 11:57 AM

Oops, a PH with Twist Steel barrels. A lower grade Parker that I would shoot,

Harry

Jesse Warren · 10-26-2013, 12:03 PM

I guess being a lower grade Parker, not much desire for, value, or collectibility? I was thinking about keeping it but depending on some of y'alls responses may just trade it away.
I dont have much in it especially when the total sum is divided among all the guns of the collection but was still curious of value.
Thanks for your input
Jesse

Harry Collins · 10-26-2013, 12:18 PM

Jesse,

Your Parker looks to have been well cared for and used as there is little checkering left. With that in mind doing anything to the gun other than cleaning will detract from the value rather than increase it. I have one that the barrels were cut and blued and messed up screws that I paid $350 for. Depending on how the floor plate screws look I would think the value would be between $700 and $1,000. I do not have my ear to the ground on current values however and some others will surly correct me. I do shoot mine.

Harry

Eldon Goddard · 10-26-2013, 01:18 PM

Parkers, L.C. Smiths, Lefevers, Greeners, and a Singer 1911. That is quite a collection. I think a lot of people enjoy P grades and since it is a 1 1/2 frame 12 it is more desirable. Tell us about your Singer 1911 and show some pictures if possible, I always thought it would be funny to get my sister one she hates guns but collects singer featherweights. Would be a pretty expensive joke though.

Ray Masciarella · 10-26-2013, 01:45 PM

I think it is a PH, Not GH, and looks like a nice gun if the barrels are safe to shoot.

David Noble · 10-26-2013, 02:30 PM

1 1/2 frame? Appears so.