1917 Parker 12 ga inquiry...

[George Lander]

Kathy: The Trojan Grade Parker became the entry level Parker formerly held by the Vulcan or VH Grade. At it's inception it sold for about $50.00. It is all Parker with some cost cutting measures such as the elimination of the "dolls head" rib extension and "snap-on" forearm. Harry, Dave & Francis are on target with their estimate of $1,000 - $1,500 if it is in the high condition that it appears to be. as for the Ithaca we would need to know the gauge, grade & condition. Generally speaking Ithacas don't bring as much as Parkers.

Best Regards, George

[Opening Day]

Kathy you might post pictures of the Ithica on Doublegunshop.com There are quite a few people that know Ithica's over there.

Eric is right Kathy- and some of those folks even know Ithacas as well! Your 12 Trojan's vintage? Just a WAG here, sn. range 171 xxx- yours has the small doll's head top rib extension. Later on, most likely to cut production costs, Parker eliminated that feature on the Trojan. I have a 12 Trojan receiver sn. 201713, it has the later style flat breech face.

I am thinking yours is in the 1917-1919 range, mine most likely was mfg. later in the 1920's.

It doesn't look like this Trojan was abused, stock uncut, original buttplate, the usual wear that field grade shotguns show, whether Parkers or other makes that had carbon steel case hardened frames.

If indeed the former owner was a machinist, my background somewhat as well, most all of us had to buy own tools and learned early on to take first rate care of all of them. Not saying that a Parker Trojan was a "tool" like a micrometer, but to my way of thinking, taking good care of all you posses is the sign of a good craftsman!

[Bill Murphy]

The request for a picture of the top of the barrels at the muzzle was a neccesary request. It will help for us to ascertain the originality of the barrel length. A cut barrel will lessen the value considerably. Thanks.