Parker Trojan SN 165230

[mobirdhunter]

John, I'm not sure I understand the reference to double stamping, but your gun looks like a sound, well used trojan -- and an early one. Except for the rib extension, I did not see anything extraordinary or especially unique, but it looks like the screws are good and generally timed, and that the finish -- well worn -- appears original. It's looks like a nice gun, and since it's a 20 gauge, more desirable. I'd sure advise membership as the next step for you...and then get a letter on the gun if you want something to support an insurance policy. If you check the various double gun sales websites -- I'd recommend "guns international" as a good place to start -- you can begin to see what people are asking for Parker's lowest grade gun in similar condition. There are still lots of things about your gun that can only be determined with the gun in hand.

It's a very nice gun, and a family heirloom. Enjoy it!

[John Stickney]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

John, I'm not sure I understand the reference to double stamping....

In IMG_3057.jpg if you zoom in on the receiver near the bottom of the photo you can see where they stamped "PARKER BROTHERS" and it is like they hit it once, slipped, then hit it again. I tried to link the image above, hope it worked.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by John Stickney

In IMG_3057.jpg if you zoom in on the receiver near the bottom of the photo you can see where they stamped "PARKER BROTHERS" and it is like they hit it once, slipped, then hit it again. I tried to link the image above, hope it worked.

John, I think I see it, but it is barely discernible to me. I don't recall that any such stamping was more highly valued, but I'd leave that to those with more expertise than I. Again, it looks to be sound and original -- as much as one can tell from photos -- and not anything unusual or unique relative to collector value. If you can get some reliable barrel measurements for the chambers, bore and minimal wall thickness at various points, it could be suggestive of the originality of your gun. Since it's been in your family, it's likely all original, unless of course a previous family member took it to the local gunsmith to have the chambers and forcing cones lengthened or the barrels lopped off to open the chokes (all of which would devalue the gun somewhat). With American guns, "pure" collectors value originality and condition above all, unless there is some unique provenance to the gun. Shooter-collectors, and you will find many here, like to be able to shoot their Parkers and not hurt the condition of them in doing so.

I sure like the pictures you posted and would enjoy shooting a nice, well kept trojan 20 such as that family gun of yours. Thanks for posting the pictures.