VH 12 with Briley thin-walled tubes

[Grantham Forester]

I borrowed a friend's copy of the 2010 edition of this blue book by S.P. Fjestad- page 1381- shows the VH in 12 gauge in 80% condition as to finish at $4000.00 No deduction for after-market choke tubes, whether by Briley or other barrel experts. How accurate is this Blue Book for realistic market values for long out-of-production double shotguns, I wonder?

[Autumn Daze]

Grantham, I don't put much faith in the Blue Book. A Parker or any collectible gun is worth what the seller will take and the buyer will pay. A wise old collector told me years ago that"You can't pay too much for a high condition original gun you can only pay it too soon"

[Bruce Day]

Originally Posted by Grantham Forester

I borrowed a friend's copy of the 2010 edition of this blue book by S.P. Fjestad- page 1381- shows the VH in 12 gauge in 80% condition as to finish at $4000.00 No deduction for after-market choke tubes, whether by Briley or other barrel experts. How accurate is this Blue Book for realistic market values for long out-of-production double shotguns, I wonder?

The Blue Book values are compiled by Bill Mullins, a PGCA director, coauthor of the Parker Story and long time Parker editor. They are reasonably accurate. The inaccuracy comes from over estimation of condition or not reading the preamble to the section which refers to Parkers in original condition. After market choke tubes are not original condition. Blue Book values are historical and people use historical sales data for all kinds of purposes, such as home sales, land sales and old gun sales, or a person can make up his own.

[Autumn Daze]

Exactly...And you can have two very knowledgable collectors looking at the same gun and be apart on condition. I hold to my original statement. And I am sure Bill knows I mean no disrespect.

[Grantham Forester]

So, as the book I have is 4 years ago, would that same VH 12 (given accurate condition today) be worth more than $4000 in today's market. The same person also has a AH Fox 12 Grade A- same specifications as the VH 12 (double triggers, standard extractors) but without the added Briley choke tubes, and more as 90% condition- not refinished. I realize this is a Parker based website, and not geared to the Fox guns per se, but the same 2010 Blue Book shows this Fox gun at about half the value of the VH-

I tend to agree that in spite of the expense the owner incurred for the Briley chokes- installed into uncut-down barrels, that might make the VH less "original" and worth a bit less that this Blue Book indicates??

Many thanks to all who have answered my posting, lot of good solid data and insight here, all for the asking!!