Weep Holes
Some late remington parkers will come from the factory with weep holes. I believe these were the Ilion made guns. From a collector standpoint, a high grade gun with original blue is certainly desirable, but having said that if the blue is correct rust blue, well done by a professional, it is not to my mind a reason to walk away if the price is fair. And, you need to look on the Barrel flats for factory repairs, as Remington did offer reblue and this is factory work as Remington owned Parker after 1934. So, weep holes are a flag, but then you need to ask why.
As to collectibles, there remains a lot of value in quality damascus guns, and with light loads many are perfectly shootable with modern nitro shells. Confer with your gunsmith, but there are some wonderful DH and higher grade damascus guns around which to my mind are underpriced by the market. Purdey and Greener are now offering new guns with Damascus barrels and this may be the next big thing in collectibles. And, a nice 1890s Damascus DH is a lovely gun for reasonable money.
Things I look for are clean screws i.e. have not been gouged by a poor fitting screw driver. All numbers match, including on stock under the trigger tang. Good lock up/on face and for me most importantly that the stock has dimensions I can shoot. Most of us shoot our Parkers, and a gun that fits you is unique to you. I have a PH16 where the bores were honed and the chokes opened. But,it had plenty of metal for safety remaining and it fit me well. I like long barrels and 30" barrels are scarce on a PH16. Bought in on the spot. What is it worth? I guess the better question is what is it worth to me. It crushes clay pigeons on the trap field, swings wonderfully and it is light enough to be a pleasure for upland bird.
I think the starting point for any new collector is to first buy a copy of the two volume set- The Parker Story. Read the books and then enter the hobby as a knowlegable buyer. They are available through the Double Gun Journal.
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