Upgraded Parkers, Lesson 1

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Upgraded Parkers, Lesson 1

While checking the Parkers on Gun Broker I noticed a AH 20 gauge starting at $20,500.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=328726594

That’s a lot of money but it is an AH in 20 gauge, or is it? The first thing I did was check the serial number against the PARKER SERIALIZATION AND INDETIFICATION book. The Gun Broker add incorrectly lists the SN as 212204 but check the photos and you will see SN 204212. “The Book” lists it serial number 204212 as a VH. Indecently, the book is available from Amazon.com for $32;
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Identif...Identification

I then checked the photos closely and noticed Vulcan Steel on the barrel top rib. Then I read in the listing that “It has the marking of world renowned engraver Angelo Bee on the bottom, near the trigger guard.” I do not think that a famous engraver would start with a high grade gun. Look at an A grade Parker and you will notice that there is no room to engrave anything else!

Here is the add:
“Alright! Here we go!! I expect a lot of emails on this gun and a lot of opinions - I accept and respect them all! This auction is for a Parker, Grade 6 (AH), side by side shotgun chambered for the 20 gauge shell. It is serial #212204 making it's manufactured date in 1923! This BEAUTIFUL gun has the most amazing engraving that I have ever seen on a gun. The wood is exquisite with very fine checkering. It has the marking of world renowned engraver Angelo Bee on the bottom, near the trigger guard. It is a great gun overall. I will be adding information to the listing as I learn it. This gun has some small usage marks on it as can be seen in pictures, but still a fantastic gun for your collection!”

So this was listed as an AH 20 grade but it is actually a VH which was upgraded by Angelo Bee (unconfirmed) and marked as AH on the action's water table.

I have nothing for or against this gun but before I would give over $20,000 for any gun I’d certainly want to know what it is really worth. Maybe an Angelo Bee engraved gun is worth the money, maybe.

The moral of this lesson is to buy The Book! It will be the best $32 you ever spent.

Mark

[Fishtail]

Really, one look at that gun and there is no need to look it up in the book. It's unfortunate a seller feels the need to refer to an upgraded V grade as an A grade but anyone spending $20K or more on a Parker should have enough knowledge to know it is not a proper A grade.

It would be like buying a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado and then being amazed to learn the bull horns screwed to the front of the hood are not OEM.

[BRDHNTR]

It would be like buying a classic Buick only to discover it's really a Nash Rambler underneath!

[Double Lab]

Good eye Mark. Also note missing forend loop on forend lug and no reinforcing screw through the front of the beavertail. You can get a hell of an original Parker for that price.

[Researcher]

Anyone wanting to fake a Quality 6 Parker Bros. wouldn't leave Vulcan on the barrel rib and have Angelo Bee sign the engraving!! There are a lot better fakers out there then that!!

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Guys, notice photos 35 and 36 which show AH stamped on the water table. The gun is a fake albeit a poor one!

The second lesson is that there are gun sellers who will say anything to sell you a gun!

[Double Lab]

Yep, there's a sucker born every minute.

[Labowner]

I realy like those barrel wedges.

[Hammer Gun]

Mark, I saw the gun the other day, knew it was one of those 60's upgrades. Gary

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Gary,

I looked at this Parker and while knowing it was an upgrade I ran it through the process described in my first post to figure out what it really is. Then I thought why not share the process and tool (The Book) with the new guys. There are many lurkers out there reading and learning from the information we share. Eventually they will join us in the discussions.

Mark