Need Some Help/Advice

[Bruce Day]

I have a No. 1 frame 12ga Quality G made in 1883 and shoot it regularly with up to 1 1 /8oz 3 dre loads . Looking at the pictured gun, the condition of the wood, finish, and case colors are consistent with a little used gun. It would not be inconsistent that the bores are shiny and walls are original thickness. You would not be able to tell for sure without you measuring the bores. If nominal ID of .732 , wall thickness should be around .030-.035 if this specimen is like others of the same configuration.

For value, people will have their own opinions, but I can tell you that I know of four Quality G Top Action Hammer guns , No. 1 frame light upland 12ga's that have sold in the last five years . They were all in slightly higher condition than this ( more case colors) and sold for $3500 to $4500. None had stock toe chips.

The pictured gun looks to be a nice one, light upland hammer guns are hard to find, and ones that would be enjoyable to carry afield are few and far between. As for a drop at heel of 3 1/4", by later Parker standards that is more than usual, but for the standards of the time of manufacture, that is the norm from what I have seen. Lots of guns made then have much more drop. I think for many if not most people, if they throw the gun to their shoulder enough times they can get the hang of it. The old timers did.