Appraisal Needed - 20 Gauge CHE

[Andrew Ingersoll]

Hello,

I inherited this gun from my grandfather, an avid bird hunter. It was in decent shape, but I just had Geoffroy Gournet clean it up and it looks fantastic. I am in the D.C. area and looking for a local appraiser who can take a look at the gun and give me a well-researched estimate.

Thanks to Mark Conrad, I have the specs on the gun, which don't seem to be any different than what I inherited:

CHE hammerless, 20 gauge.
Two Acme barrels, 26 and 30 inch
Single Trigger
Original monogrammed A&F case, same monogram on base of stock.
Action is very tight.

Any thoughts on value on this board would be appreciated, but I'd like someone to handle the gun and provide me with a real world appraiser. I'm not likely to sell in this market, but I am curious.

Thanks!

- Andrew

[JLoew]

Andrew,

I will be in the DC area for work later on this week. Please PM me and perhaps we can make arrangements to get together in person.

Best regards
Josh

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Andrew,

A CHE 20 Gauge! Thanks for posting the photos for all to enjoy!!! You can post more photos as there is no limit...

Thanks again,
Mark

[George Lander]

Andrew: My guess would be $30,000 - $50,000. I would insure your gun for at least $50,000. I would bring it to the Vintager's at Pintail Point, Easton, MD this fall. All the knowledgeable Parker people will be there.

Best Regards, George

[Labowner]

Andrew, looks like a very rare and valuable Parker in many ways. I would like to suggest ordering a letter from the PGCA [look on home page] that may show your Grandfather ordering the gun. Would love to see more pictures and know the dimensions. Enjoy
Bob

[C grade]

Andrew
Outstanding gun! I collect C grades an an all original two barrel set is a rare treasure. I would agree with George as to value. If you decide to sell it....
David

[John D.]

Wow - your Parker is stunning!! Please do keep the pictures coming.. As well, if it is as it appears (correct & original), I think George and David have the current market value about spot on correct...

Simply lovely!!

And oh - welcome to the PGCA Forum Andrew..! You certainly know how to "make an entrance in a crowded room"

Best Always,

John

[Bruce Day]

A lovely small bore Parker. Nice engraving theme, nice condition and much right about the gun. Your grandfather was more than just an avid bird hunter. This was a costly gun when purchased and would have been a special order through A&F, which was the top sporting goods store of the day.

My sense is that while prices have relaxed for many of the more common Parkers, prices have remained stable for the high grade small bores. I have a Parker from my grandfather, but it is a lower grade gun. John Dunkle, who posted above, has one of the top Parkers that belonged to his grandfather, and it was challenging getting it back into John's possession. I see others have suggested values, I might have other ideas, but private conversation after in hand examination is what is needed.

Here are three C grade 20's, which we had together for a hunt out where I am. There is another photo of one of them fitted in an A&F case, which are in themselves scarce and costly. I have little doubt that if you choose to sell the gun, there will be those ready, willing and able to buy after determining a realistic offer.

[Andrew Ingersoll]

Thanks, Robert. My next step is asking Charlie Herzog for the work order tag as Mark said it is available (even though the serial number listing does not include this gun for some reason). The initials are not my grandfathers, but I suspect it was his step father's or something. I'm just not sure when my grandfather acquired it either. Might have been a retirement gift to himself!

Originally Posted by E Robert Fabian

Andrew, looks like a very rare and valuable Parker in many ways. I would like to suggest ordering a letter from the PGCA [look on home page] that may show your Grandfather ordering the gun. Would love to see more pictures and know the dimensions. Enjoy
Bob

[Autumn Daze]

A very wonderful and important gun Andrew. Congratulations!