value: Parker VH 1916 20Ga.

[gbsharrett]

Can anyone help me determine the approximate value of a Parker that I have on a 5 day hold at Cabela's.

It is labeled as a VH, serial number is 134944 (made in 1916), 20 Ga, 28" barrels choked Imp cyl and imp mod.

There are no obvious big blemishes on the wood or metal. Some rust is seen on the barrel and more under the triggers. Some bluing remains. Screws look clean, no damage. The barrels are Trogen Steel. The wood appears to be original, not re-finished. On the inside of the receiver are the letters CV and to the right of that the numbers 3, 5. The three is larger than the five and is up and to the right of the three, like three to the fifth power would be written. What is this?

The initials JG are inside a six sided box. The number 0 is in the center of the lock as is the number 20. What do these mean? Is this frame size and gauge?

I have included some photos.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
George

[Eldon Goddard]

That is a nice looking Parker 20 ga, but it is a Trojan not a VH. The 3 5 is the unstruck barrel weight of 3 lbs 5 oz and the 0 is the frame size. It appears to be in very good condition.

[Dean Romig]

It also has a late Remington butt plate and case colors look a bit like they were applied with a torch.
OV is the stamp which identifies the gun as a Trojan and that stamp is probably on the water table as well.
J.G is the stamp of Jim Geary who was a contractor at Parker Bros who specialized in choke cutting.

[gbsharrett]

Very fun to learn about these guns. I wondered about the case colors, not that I knew a person could apply them with a torch but they did look a little different than others I have seen. I thought perhaps chemical.
Anyone willing to through out a number for value?
Thanks,
George

[gbsharrett]

Or, asked another way, what would the difference in value be between a real VH and a Trogan in this exact condition? 10%-, 30%-, etc...

I would love to own this gun but do not want to pay too high of an "initiation fee" to own my first Parker because I over paid.

[Dean Romig]

Is is definitely worth less that a VH in the same condition. Why not tell us what the asking price is and maybe someone here can advise you to run to it or from it.

[Bill Zachow]

I would guess that Cabelas has the labeled VH overpriced as 1) it is a Trojan 2) the metal appears to be refinished by a non knowledgeable gunsmith--wrong colors on the frame and barrels appear overbuffed--and I might bet that the stock was replaced with a V grade stock, wrong buttplate for a Trojan and the wood fit by the trigger area is lousy. As is, I might offer $1200 to $1500 at most. Knowing Cabelas, I expect they are asking close to$3000.

[C.O.B.]

First off if Cabelas has it marked as a VH they don't know what there talking about therefore whatever price they have on it is to much. Their min mark up is at least 30%.

I'd run from this so fast Bruce Jenner would be impressed. SAVE YOUR MONEY and wait to buy an honest Parker. I bought a good honest VH 20 a year or so ago for $2500 and just bought a GH 16 on an O frame for about that. It's easier to buy a gun than to sell one especially a bad one.

[gbsharrett]

Sure. They want $2999.99.
Which direction should I run?

[Dean Romig]

Good eye on the wood fit Bill.

Mr. Gbsharrett, does it have a "capped pistol grip" or just plain wood at the base of the pistol grip?