New owner, question about frame size marking

[Joe Kallo]

Hello group,

I just purchased my first Parker: a 12ga VH that has a serial number that indicates it was made in 1925. I'm doing lots of learning about it now, and I've come across my first question I can't find an answer to. Guides all indicate where to find the frame size stamp on the underside of the barrel lugs. Mine only has a 12 there, and nothing else. Is this a normal state of affairs? Did they stop stamping the frame size at some point?

Thanks!
Joe

[B. Dudley]

No. It would be marked. Please post a photo. It should be behind the 12 you mention.

[Bill Murphy]

Your 12 may be a 1/2 indicating a 1/2 frame, correct in later serial ranges. We need to see pictures.

[Joe Kallo]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Your 12 may be a 1/2 indicating a 1/2 frame, correct in later serial ranges. We need to see pictures.

This was my first thought, as it's light for what I've seen most VH 12s (6lb 13oz). I will upload a pic when I am home in a couple hours.

[Joe Kallo]

Here's a pic of the lug. Serial is 213336 btw.

[winplumber]

For starters measure your center to center of your firing pins on the frame and report back

[Researcher]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Your 12 may be a 1/2 indicating a 1/2 frame, correct in later serial ranges. We need to see pictures.

A 1925 vintage gun wouldn't be a 1/2 frame.


Here is a typical 1925 vintage 12-gauge VH --

215139 01 VH-Grade, 12-gauge, V in circle barrel steel.jpg

in this case a 1 1/2 frame. Can't explain why there is no frame-size stamp on your barrel lug.

[B. Dudley]

Unless it is so faintly stamped that it is not showing up in the photo, it looks like it may have not been stamped. Which is out of the ordinary.
You will have to take measurements of various areas of the frame to verify the size. 3 lbs 9 oz is a lighter barrel set. So i would think 1 or 1-1/2 size.

[Joe Kallo]

Just measured: the pin to pin is 1-1/8".

The butt stock on the gun has a different serial from the barrels and frame, and is much earlier: 145656. It has non-cut 26" barrels (there's an obvious break in the rib waves) and was obviously exceptionally well loved/used. Given the C/M chokes, and relative light weight, I think this was someones rainy day grouse gun, which is exactly what I intent to use it for.

[Harold Pickens]

In a 26" gun, I am not surprised by the cyl/mod chokes. I have 2 26' Parkers, a 16 and a 20, and both choked cyl/mod, and supported by factory letters. Great grouse chokes indeed.