Questions about a VH grade.

[Tom Black]

Hello, as stated in my introduction paragraph I've got the chance to buy a Parker VH and have several questions for you learned gentlemen. It's a 12 gauge, all original. Modified and full barrels. Plastic butt plate with the dogs head. Made in 1927. Bores are bright and shiny, solid rib is intact. Double triggers. Tight as a drum. Stock wood is okay, nothing to write back home about though. No cracks or splits in the wood, one ding between grip cap and shield. Receiver is pretty much all silver, not a lot of finish left on the barrels. It's just a very decent 91 year old shotgun. None of the screw heads are buggered. The owner is asking $2000 for it. Is this a fair price? Thank you for your help.
Tom Black

[Jeff Higgins]

Try and get some pics posted Tom.

[Kirk Potter]

To be honest, seems high to me.. You sure its a VH? or VHE?

[Tom Black]

Auto safety, no ejectors. Don't know if he will let me take any pictures. From what I've seen on sites like GB and GA I too thought it was a bit high.
Tom

[B. Dudley]

I do not like to normally comment on prices too much, because it can all be relative. But, he is asking WAY too much for the gun given what it is in the condition that you describe. For a VH 12g to be worth that much (or more) it better have a lot of condition. And a frame that is all silver does not have that.

If you have $2,000 to spend on a 12g Parker, you can get a really nice gun. And even one in a higher geade than a VH. You just need to make sure you are buying the right one.

[Tom Black]

I know without actually seeing the gun or pics it's difficult to pass judgement on it. Any wild guesses as to what a fair price for it would be?
Tom

[B. Dudley]

Based on your description... The closer you can get to $1,000 is about right.

[Tom Black]

Here's the rest of the story. This gun belongs to my cousin who is pushing 80 and he's had this Parker forever. His only son died earlier this year and he has no grandchildren. He is wanting to keep this gun in the family and has offered it to me for $2000. I honestly don't have a clue what its worth an don't know if he will come down on it some, if any. I'd really feel like I would be insulting him if I offered him half of his asking price. On the other hand, I too would like to see it stay in the family. Thank you guys for your generous help. I appreciate it.
Tom

[B. Dudley]

Well, then your buying the gun will be an act of charity. A high asking price is a high asking price. Regardless of the situation.

Again, that valuation that I put on it is just my opinion, but i will say that (again, given your description) that $1,500 is the absolute end of the rainbow on that one.

[winplumber]

Your doing him more of a favor then hes doing for you if you pay his price , Sorry but if I wanted a gun to stay in my family I would and will give it to someone . Not trying to be disrespectful in any way. Maybe show him the prices you were given here