Wells Fargo coach gun

Mike Hines · 02-02-2013, 02:37 AM

I was trying to get a ball park value on this Wells Fargo coach gun made by Parker in 1885. Stamped “W.F.&.CO.” 12 gauge, Damascus barrels, external hammers. Frame size – 1, Weight of barrels - “4 2”,Grade ?

This is a collectable gun, not a shooter. Everything operates properly and the action is tight but the bores are pretty pitted. The left hammer is bent and the stock has been repaired.

All help is greatly appreciated!

Dean Romig · 02-02-2013, 07:33 AM

There are an awful lot of W.F. & Co. stamped guns out there and the huge majority of them are fakes. This is not to say yours is but some sort of valid authentication is necessary in order to give it the value that a valid W.F. & Co. would support.

Bruce Day · 02-02-2013, 09:24 AM

I'll authenticate yours if you authenticate this one.

We know this one is real because the gun show table dealer said it was.

Opening Day · 02-02-2013, 09:54 AM

Tell me, has anyone seen a real WF Parker shotgun that has been documented....

Dennis · 02-02-2013, 10:37 AM

Would there possibly be some WF guns that were purchased from the factory and be lettered as such?

paul stafford jr · 02-02-2013, 10:37 AM

no , is there any info in the order books? BD may know

edgarspencer · 02-02-2013, 11:29 AM

4 pounds 2 ounces seems pretty heavy for barrels as short as those. Check the book to see what barrel length they were originally. The left hammer may be bent, but it's not a Parker hammer.

OH Osthaus · 02-02-2013, 11:33 AM

how short are those barrels? the foreend seems to take a fair portion of the length.

Dean Romig · 02-02-2013, 11:46 AM

Looks like the original Parker Bros. hammer but bent and the barrels look to be about 22" or 23".

Bill Murphy · 02-02-2013, 01:29 PM

I suggest you get a PGCA letter on this gun so you know who originally purchased it.