Thoughts on My Purchase

[Dennis Martin]

Greetings All,
I purchased this GH (they erroneously had it labeled as a GHE) gun in an auction yesterday and want to solicit some honest feedback on it. I've included the link to it and that's all I've got until I get it in hand. According to my Parker book, it was made in 1898 and came with 26" barrels. As seen in the pics, it is on a 1 frame. Assuming I'm interpreting the book correctly, 427 grade 2, 12 gauge guns with 26" damascus barrels were made. I would think much fewer than that were 1 frames. The toplever is left of center, but overall, it looks pretty good to me. By the time buyer's premium, sales tax, etc. are added on, I think I will have $1700 - 1750 in it. Knowing no more than that about it, opinions on possible rarity, desirability, price? Thanks in advance.
https://bidlive.bruneauandco.com/lot...2-bore-shotgun

[Jay Oliver]

What's not to like about a straight stock 1 frame 12 gauge Damascus GH? That it is a nice gun and I would definitely get a letter on it. I like the figure in the stock, that is a winner all day at good price.

Should be fun to shoot as well. It will be interesting to see what the chokes are and how much it weighs. A very nice Parker!

[winplumber]

I question if the stock is cracked on the right side near tang screw running into the wrist checkering

[B. Dudley]

The checkering got pretty jacked up by someone at one time.

[Dennis Martin]

Thanks Jay. Your comment on the straight stock made me take a second look at my Parker Gun Identification & Serialization book. It lists this gun as having a capped stock, but obviously doesn't. What are the chances the book is wrong? Will be interested in taking a very close look at the bottom tang when I get it. Winplumber, you have a sharp eye, just hope you're wrong about the crack.

[Bill Murphy]

The grip style error in the Serialization Book is very common and usually not the fault of the authors. The crack is more important, if it is a crack. Top levers to left of center are also common on early guns without the 1910 bolt plate. Many guns with left of center levers are tight on the water table and remain that way for a long time.

[Dennis Martin]

Thanks Bill, for your input. Puts that worry to rest. I've got another gun listed as capped stock, but has a straight stock. And unless someone did one heck of a job modifying the bottom tang, it's original. Also, have a 20 ga with a beavertail fore end that's not listed as such. But, the iron is serial numbered to the frame and it has the bolt in the end of the wood. Also, the barrel has the reinforced area around the fore end hook.

[Travis Sims]

What's the weight?

[Dennis Martin]

Hi Travis,
Until I get the gun in hand, you know as much about it as I do.

[Dennis Martin]

I finally received my GH today and happy to report I'm very pleased with it. Less pleased with the buyer's premium, sales tax, transfer fees, shipping .... All that made a $1300 purchase into an $1800 purchase, but oh well. The barrels are in great shape, ring well, and shiny bores. The right barrel has .007" constriction and the left has .021". The wood looks great and the butt stock is serial numbered to the gun, something I was a little concerned about. Hate to say it, but Winplumber was correct about the crack, but it seems solid. Not going to let that dampen my enthusiasm today. Later maybe, but not today. It weighs 6.5 lbs and the stock dimensions are 14 1/4" lop, 1 1/2" dac, and 2 3/8" dah. Comes up nicely for me. Checkering is crisp, but don't know if it's been redone. Looks good to me, but I'm not a stick-up-my-arse elitist. Fits nicely, along with my 26" DHE 20 gauge, in my Holland & Holland leather motor case. Looking forward to trying it out!