New Guy with old Parker

Brad Kuhn · 03-10-2022, 02:15 PM

Hello All,

I am new to the association and own a Parker 12 ga that I inherited from my grandfather. The gun has been well maintained over the years and has seen little use. I intend to keep it, but I am trying to find out more about the gun and its approximate value. 211530 is stamped on the barrel and on the receiver. the barrel also is stamped with a 12 and 1 1/2, a V with a circle around it, the number 4, and the letters JG with an oval around them. The receiver has V and VH stamped on it. It is a simple gun with minimal carving and scroll work. Is there more to know about this gun? Could anyone in the association comment on ballpark value? I can provide pictures.

Thanks for any interest,
Brad Kuhn
Aiken, SC

Harold Pickens · 03-10-2022, 02:33 PM

Sounds like you have a Parker VH 12 ga on a 1 1/2 frame. A pretty common, but nice enough gun if it hasnt been tampered with. What length are the barrels? Long barrels are in demand in todays market (32" or longer). Value?, hard to say without pictures, but if in good shape $1000 to 1500. Small bores bring the big money

Randy Roberts · 03-10-2022, 03:12 PM

Hi Brad, welcome to the forum. You have the most common configuration that Parker made, a 30" VH 12 gauge. I believe there were in excess of 30K made as such, yours was made in 1925. The markings you inquired about are as follows:
12- gauge of the gun
1 1/2- frame size (Parker made different size frames)
V in circle-signifies the barrel steel, Vulcan in this case
#4-unstruck barrel weight in lbs. Most times there is a second digit for ounces.
JG in oval- James Geary, inspector
VH-V is the grade, H signifies hammerless.

Also there are surviving records for your gun. Consider joining the PGCA and ordering one. Never know what it might tell you. We gotta have pics to determine value. Condition, condition, condition. Good luck !

Randy Roberts · 03-10-2022, 03:13 PM

Dylan is faster than me

Dylan Rhodes · 03-10-2022, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy G Roberts

Dylan is faster than me

I was going to say Jim Grier but then I remembered Dean corrected me last time. James Grier came to mind also....Some day I will remember that guys name.

mobirdhunter · 03-10-2022, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan Rhodes

I was going to say Jim Grier but then I remembered Dean corrected me last time. James Grier came to mind also....Some day I will remember that guys name.

We all get corrected. You rock, Dylan! Thanks for helping the OP.

Dylan Rhodes · 03-10-2022, 03:07 PM

12 is the gauge
1.5 is the frame size
V and VH both signify a V grade.
4 is the weight of the barrels in pounds and OZ...lack of a second number means 4 pounds flat
JG is the barrel department manager whos name I always mess up.

Ejector vs extractor makes a decent swing in value. Do you know which it has?

Mike Poindexter · 03-10-2022, 07:32 PM

Geary

Brad Kuhn · 03-10-2022, 08:49 PM

Hello all again,

Thank you all for the detailed responses. The barrels are 30 inches and it does have ejectors. I will post some pictures when I get a chance.

Thanks again for your responses,
Brad

Brad Kuhn · 03-11-2022, 04:13 PM

Attached are some pics of the gun I have. It has not been fired in about 60 years and is in excellent condition. One pic may show some marring on the barrel, but that must be a lighting artifact as the barrels are nearly perfect.

One significant issue that I see is that the barrel will close but will not lock. The top lever stays extended and forearm latch lever will not close completely. I don't remember this being a problem the last time I fired it - 60 years ago. I may be overlooking something simple or it may need a gunsmith's attention.

Any thoughts on this issue?

Thanks,
Brad