20ga DHE Damascus 1891

Philip Brown · 05-28-2013, 11:57 AM

Good morning to all,

I am interested in getting some help in valuing my Parker 20ga DHE that has been handed down through the family for over 100 years. Attached are some pictures. The gun appears to be in good working order and records indicate that it was manufactured in 1891. I do see what appears to me to be some pitting and unfortunately the butt has a small chip with a dented butt plate. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Philip Brown · 05-28-2013, 12:35 PM

Additional info.... I am not sure that this is a DHE - likely just a DH...

OH Osthaus · 05-28-2013, 12:49 PM

Where is and how bad is the pitting? It looks like the barrels have retained a fair amount of the original damascus finish.

Philip Brown · 05-28-2013, 01:04 PM

What I am seeing as pitting may simply be normal aging. The gun is nice and clean, and the previously attached pictures are representative of the entire finish. I'm just not that familiar with "condition grading" to make any good judgements. Maybe some closeups will help you.

OH Osthaus · 05-28-2013, 01:39 PM

Ok, "pitting" normally brings to mind the condition of the bores, the inside of the barrels, how are they?

The gun (admittedly i am looking at it on the phone) looks good to me.

The out side finish has some "patina" but i do not see where rust has caused any pits in the metal.

I am sure other who can see the pictures better will comment, but other than some dings in the wood, with my limited view - it looks nice for its age. I would say do not do anything to it until it has been evaulated by an expert.

Researcher · 05-28-2013, 01:50 PM

Looks like you have a great, un-messed with, early 20-gauge DH-Grade. A family gun to be very proud of!! Go to the sites home page. In the column on the left pick Research Letters. Then on the Research Letters page pick the here in red. When the box appears type in your serial number, and you will find the PGCA has records on your gun. So, join the PGCA and order a research letter.

The accident on the toe of the stock can likely be repaired by a good stock man, but I'd think long and hard before doing anything but a gentle cleaning to such a wonderful old gun. Once vetted by a qualified double gun smith, I'd be getting a flat of RST 2 1/2 inch, 3/4 ounce, 20-guage shells and having at it.

Dean Romig · 05-28-2013, 02:11 PM

That is a very well cared-for Parker. You're a licky man to have a family gun as nice as that one. A gentle cleaning is all that gun needs.

Bill Murphy · 05-28-2013, 02:23 PM

This is a perfect example of an untouched Parker that could lose at least $2000 of its value in a restoration effort. What a great little 20.

Philip Brown · 05-29-2013, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

This is a perfect example of an untouched Parker that could lose at least $2000 of its value in a restoration effort. What a great little 20.

Bill, your comment indicates that you believe the gun us worth more that $2000. Is that what you were trying to imply? Looking at a 1994 edition of the Blue Book I see that a 16ga at 80% of original case colors is valued at $2675. Can I infer that you believe the gun to be graded at 80%? Can anyone provide me with 2012-13 Blue Book values?

Opening Day · 05-29-2013, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip Brown

Bill, your comment indicates that you believe the gun us worth more that $2000. Is that what you were trying to imply? Looking at a 1994 edition of the Blue Book I see that a 16ga at 80% of original case colors is valued at $2675. Can I infer that you believe the gun to be graded at 80%? Can anyone provide me with 2012-13 Blue Book values?

Question why would you look at a 1994 edition Blue Book it has no baring on price today.

As Bill says the gun needs to be in hand so see the condition of the bores.