Help...

[Thomas Gould]

PGCA,

I inherited my father’s Parker Bros shotgun, long time ago.

As I near my time, (I am 87), I am putting my “things” in order.

I know of the Parker Bros reputation, and have had a few people over the years ask me to buy the gun.

I am not a hunter nor a trap/skeet shooter.

While I’m not sure who I will pass the gun to. But I would like to know something about the grade and value.

Here are all the markings I find on the gun.

OV HT
A
12
2 (at 90 degrees CW) J.G (these initials are in a circle)
S/N 204977 (in 3 places)
1923
W

The gun was given to my father by his father, Dr. Richard J. Gould. That could explain the J. G. initials.
On their first outing, my father fell over a fence, breaking the stock. Grampa had a new one made by a gunsmith. My father claimed it was not a factory replacement.

There is a very small dent in one barrel from the accident.

Other than that the gun is in good shape. I clean & oil it at least yearly. It is kept in a gun case.

So, what can you tell me about the gun and a possible value.

Thanks, in advance,

Thomas Gould

[Steiner]

Welcome and Congratulations on your longevity. You have a Trojan model Parker with a replacement stock. You can read about the grades of Parker Shotguns through a link found on the home page of this site. The Trojan model was the lowest grade/cost Parker but are similar in most respects to all grades of Parker. The shape of the receiver is distinct and specific to the Trojan. Some of the markings provide information about the gun and there is much uncertainty about others. You can find information on the markings through the home page too. I’m sure someone more knowledgeable than myself will be along shortly to provide the answers to your questions. You might enjoy reading the information about Parker shotguns available via the tabs along the left side of the home page.

[edgarspencer]

Apart from the white line spacers (just a personal preference), it's a pretty good looking stock for not being factory. The JG is the mark of Jim Geary, who was the barrel foreman at the time the gun was made.

[Bill Murphy]

Hunt up one of the people who wanted to buy the gun, let them write you a check for $800, and be happy.

[Gerald McPherson]

Bill is about right on the value but please find someone in your family to leave it to along with the story. Look how long you have enjoyed it. And you never sold it. That speaks volumes.

[Thomas Gould]

Thanks Gerald. I concur. I do have someone to leave it to. I am still curious about all the letters & numbers though.

[BRDHNTR]

I'm glad you're keeping it in the family.