Were to sell a Parker?? - Page 3

George Lander · 01-31-2011, 10:14 PM

Drew: I would say that your Grandma's Parker would be worth a lot closer to $2,500 than to $500, but if at all possible it should remain in your family. At the very least, join the PGCA and order a letter (a total of $80) That will tell you a lot more about what you have. It is a Grade 3 ("D" Grade) That, in itself, is a bit unususl and fairly rare IMHO. The first four examples were all Field Grade or Grade Zero or One. The one that sold for over $2,500 was a Grade 3 ("D") like yours, but a later one with a toplever action. My suggestion, GET A LETTER! I just checked and THERE ARE surviving records available for SN 11922.

Best Regards, George

Autumn Daze · 01-31-2011, 10:25 PM

George, We believe this gun to be a Grade 2 gun.For me the three pin lock's in this serial range are a dead givaway.

George Lander · 01-31-2011, 10:41 PM

Dave: You might be right. I don't recall seeing a Grade 2 Lifter. What do you think is a "fair market price" for this gun?

Best Regards, George

O.K. I just checked the Grades Page here and it is a Grade 2 ("G") Grade gun.

Drew Port · 01-31-2011, 10:46 PM

If you need any more pictures please let me know i have it right here i can have them up in 5min.

Drew Port · 01-31-2011, 10:56 PM

Ok i just measured it. It has a 30" barrel and is a 12GA hope this helps

Big Friend Ten (BFT) · 02-01-2011, 07:26 AM

Drew,

Is there a serial number on the side of the barrel recoil lug. A photo of that number, which must match the serial number on the receiver watertable, would be very important.

George,

When I compare the subject Parker to the condition Grade 3 Top lever that David Holeshot bought last month on Gun Broker for $3350 there is no comparison! David's gun needed only a little clean up.

You are correct that lacking the grade stamp on the watertable a Parker research letter is necessary to value this gun.

Mark

Bill Murphy · 02-01-2011, 10:02 AM

George is being quite kind in appraising the gun at "closer to $2500 than to $500". A little loose and no information about bores puts this gun in the category with the gunbroker examples that bring no bids regardless of low starting prices. It is a neat gun, but I would want to see it in person before estimating how much effort it would be to make it a prize.

Brush Buster · 02-01-2011, 10:29 AM

Drew,The D Grade Hammer gun in the pic. that Ross Posted was my gun and I started the Auction at a penny and had a $3500.00 Buy Now price ! I couldn't believe how low that gun sold ,it was as described ,Excellent checking ,and excellent unmolested bores ,and the engraving was crisp and clean ,not to mention a D Grade Hammer gun ! With that said ,at the time of the auction apparently this was the value !You have gotten good advice here ,I think the estimates for your gun in the $600.00 to $ 1000.00 range are applicable ! If you post it as Francis said and as Bill also mentioned as a no reserve auction ,the received price will tell you exactly what its value is ! Just my thoughts ! If the gun means something special to you ,you should copy the collectors advice from this forum and show your Grand Mother and possibly you two can come to an agreement on the value and you will become the owner of a nice Parker ! Russ

Drew Port · 02-01-2011, 11:35 PM

Another question i have is is it safe to shoot? And if so do you shoot standard loads?

Old and Reliable · 02-02-2011, 12:03 AM

I would have a qualified gunsmith check this Parker over carefully first. If you don't mind telling us where you live, chances are good some of the PGCA members can recommend a good double gunsmith. He will check for "on face" and minimum barrel wall thickness, any dents or damage to the barrels or ribs- And my guess is- if it passes that inspection he will recommend low pressure black powder or equivalent loads.

We are very lucky in that we have specialized ammunition companies that cater to our love of careful shooting these old treasures- RST, New Era and perhaps others- We also have many members who have spent a lot of time and study in working up reloads for older Parkers.

Do I see a hint that you might end up keeping this fine older Parker? Perhaps shooting it? If so, please join the PGCA- so much to learn and we are fortunate to have a membership that enjoys passing along such knowledge--I have learned a great deal since I joined, and also have learned that there is far more to learn--someone is always trying a new approach-