Help please on a mint vh 20 gauge

Derek · 03-13-2021, 12:08 AM

I recently inherited this vh 20 gauge. It was preserved new in the wrapper by my grandfather. However I have some questions. The gun looks new and never modified by a gunsmith, however it has auto ejectors and a pachmayr pad. We're these factory upgrades 100 years ago or was this gun modified. According to my research auto ejector models were vhe stamped. Please help.

David Noble · 03-13-2021, 02:14 AM

The water table of the frame was not marked VHE, GHE etc. only the grade mark and an H to signify a hammerless gun.
You are correct to question the originality of the pachmayr pad as they were not available that far back. It appears your shotgun had some refinishing in the past also, so it is not a near mint original Parker. However, it was your grandfathers gun and that alone has value. Have it checked over by a competent gunsmith and if he finds it safe then you will have a classic small bore SxS shotgun to cherish and shoot. Congratulations!

PML · 03-13-2021, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Barow

I recently inherited this vh 20 gauge. It was preserved new in the wrapper by my grandfather. However I have some questions. The gun looks new and never modified by a gunsmith, however it has auto ejectors and a pachmayr pad. We're these factory upgrades 100 years ago or was this gun modified. According to my research auto ejector models were vhe stamped. Please help.

It may have been preserved "new in a wrapper" from somewhere by someone but not from Parker Bros. Your gun does not "look new" and does not "look never modified by a gunsmith". Of course this is just my opinion just like yours. I am sure opinions on value will vary. I hope this helps.

PML

Derek · 03-13-2021, 06:31 AM

Thank you guys. That's what I was afraid of.

Harold Pickens · 03-13-2021, 07:02 AM

Still, it is a great little gun Derek. VHE 20's are wonderful field guns and are quite desirable. I have one that is rough, but has become my favorite grouse gun. Does yours have 26 or 28" barrels. Dont be dissapointed, its still a great little gun.

B. Dudley · 03-13-2021, 07:06 AM

Those look like torch colors on the frame too.
As others have stated, the gun is completely refinished, and rather poorly. Get it checked out to make sure no critical damage was done and them shoot it and enjoy it.

Derek · 03-13-2021, 07:42 AM

Ok. Will do. Thank you so much. I am pretty good with guns in general. I am an armorer for sig, glock, beneli and colt. However I have no clue about older guns so I appreciate all the input. You won't hurt my feelings, lol

edgarspencer · 03-13-2021, 09:49 AM

It left the factory as a VHE

Derek · 03-13-2021, 11:37 AM

How do you know sir?

edgarspencer · 03-13-2021, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Barow

How do you know sir?

A) from your pictures and B) the book says code 2