DHE 12 Gauge Vent Rib:

[Bruce P Bruner]

Lightning struck again! I secured another vent rib DHE today. A Cabela's new listing that I pounced on without hesitation. However, there was an element of huge disappointment when I was told that they would call me back after I had them pull the gun and put my name on it and they didn't call. I called again and the operator told me that I was 3rd in line. I replied "Thank you". Well you can imagine how I felt. Out of the blue they called to finalize the sale. Come to find out I was 3rd in line to be processed, not 3rd in line for the gun. Whew!
This one is recorded in the Serialization Book as Special Order Code 11, ejectors, Titanic Steel, 30" barrels and large forearm. However the book misses the ventilated rib and the single trigger. The stock is also Monte Carlo configuration. It's a 1930 gun so the rib has all the printed information including "Titanic Steel", unlike my recent Remington era 16 gauge vent rib gun that is unmarked. I know that a trigger could be changed out but a ventilated rib addition isn't common or perhaps even possible. I believe the omission of the rib in the records was an error.
This one wasn't quite the bargain as my recent 16 DHE but non the less a very desirable Parker Bros. for $4K after they discounted it by $3K. I'll have 1st right of refusal when the gun gets to my local Cabela's, though I can't imagine turning it down. Who wouldn't want a "Hawkins" pad? I kid.

[John Davis]

Very nice! Do you know what it's choked?

[Bruce P Bruner]

The listing didn't give many details, no choke nor length of pull. I did have them break it down and verify the serial numbers. I inquired about what was on the the barrel lug to determine the frame size and he just said "12". So I don't even know what the frame size is. I was pretty excited and proclaimed "No more questions", I just wanted to wrap up the deal and get it sent out.

[Bruce P Bruner]

I'm just speculating this gun is configured as a trap gun or perhaps a "live pigeon" gun, it has the same characteristics as the modern ones. From all of the Parker's I've seen this is a fairly scarce stock with the Monte Carlo feature. Not a new design by any means, but I'm sure the Parker folks strived to deliver what the public wanted and to keep up with the competition and as such, someone ordered this one for their own specific purposes.

[Mike Franzen]

When you get it please post more pics and I would be interested in the stock dimensions. Looks like one of my dream guns.

[Bruce P Bruner]

Researching a bit further I located this guns serial number in the Parker "Work Order Tag" pdf. I'm sure it would be interesting, I'll have decide how much it's worth to satisfy my curiosity. I should just consider it a donation to the Association's Research Committee. You think it was sent back for the "Hawkins" pad? Ha!

[John Davis]

It would be my dream gun, if it only had double triggers. I would acquire every piece of information I could about that gun. Letter, work order tag, etc. And if that stock configuration checks out, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it originally came with a Hawkins pad.

[Double Lab]

Nice find Bruce. I have a VHE double trap and it has a leather covered pad and double triggers. No m/c stock but the gun was ordered with a "full" comb, 32" and M/F.

[Larry the Gun Guy]

So what you're telling me is not to expect any positive answer about my email to Cabela's telling them I will buy this gun?????
Damn, too late again.

[J. Scott Hanes]

Cabela's discounted that gun by $3k??? Must need the cash!! Glad you scooped that one up!