What do I have here?

[J.Fife]

Hello all,
I had just inherited this 12ga, and being that it is my first Parker I was wondering if anyone could give me a ball park value for it. I had taken it to a local gun store and they really couldn't give me a value on it but had offed me $600 in store credit for it. Now, I am not planing on selling it because it has been in the family for a bit, but I would like to know what something like this is worth and what it would sell for.

Along the top of the two barrels it reads "Parker Bros Makers. Meriden Conn. Damascus Steel". On the water table there are three dates; Apr 11 1876, Sep 3 1872, and Mar 16 1875. Also on the water table there is a number 1, and just under that is a 5 digit number, and below that is the letter G. The barrel has three letters stamped where it closes up against the water table (near the extractor) and they are A, C, D, and also a number 14

The gun has two hammers, and there is engraved pheasants on the side. The butt plate has a dog on it. There is very little and light surface rust in a few areas but the gun is in overall great condition.

From my research it was made in 1887 and is a grade 2 model G. Now with all this info I can't seem to put a monetary value on it, and was hoping some of you enthusiasts could assist.

Thank you in advance.

[J.Fife]

Also, the barrel measures 30 inches and there are no dents or pits in or on the barrel. They almost have a mirror like reflection when looking through them at light.

There isn't any play where the barrels lock on to the gun. Overall very sold.

[Bill Zachow]

You have an extremely nice G grade, top action Parker. When the gun is properly cleaned, wood and metal, it will be even better. If the bores are bright and pitt free, I would value the gun at least $1,000.

[Double Lab]

J.Fife,
It seems you have a very nice, unmolested grade 2 (G) with lots of condition. Are the bores as clean as the exterior of the gun? What are the length of the barrels? I hesitate giving a price without having the gun in hand.

[Roundsworth]

Wow! Nice gun. Definitely worth more than $600.00.

[Holeshot]

Whats not to like about that one? Looks like 1200.00 plus to me. Whats the name on emblem?

[J.Fife]

Originally Posted by David Holes

Whats the name on emblem?

I'm 100% on the name because of the font type is difficult to make out. It's two initials then a four letter name followed by a period. Does it make a difference when appraising it? If so I can get the magnifying glass out.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by J.Fife

It's two initials then a four letter name followed by a period. Does it make a difference when appraising it?.

The name of the persom it was made for or who owned and shot it, especially if he was a shooter of note, could alter the otherwise 'run of the mill' value considerably. There have been Parkers, Foxes, etc. that have auctioned for at least double what the gun would have sold at without the provenance of a famous shooter or personality.

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

I agree with Dean but go a little farther. The name on the shield [I have to admit that's the first one have seen like that] could help you build a provenance for the gun. A good provenance could make it more valuable to the outside world and it could make it priceless to you.
I find it very hard to sell a gun that I know the history of.
But if you read what I write about you know my weakness already.
By the way- thats a great gun.

[edgarspencer]

I guess it's just me, and since I have a twin to it, but I wouldn't part with mine for 1200 or anywhere near it. I love the hell out of shooting it. Those barrels are great.